Simeone: Optimism and Demand for Atlético's Future
Diego Pablo Simeone, the coach of Atlético de Madrid, has given a positive assessment of the season, highlighting the team’s competitiveness in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Despite the frustration of not winning titles, Simeone feels that this year they were closer than ever to winning La Liga.
This demand to win tournaments, according to the coach, sets an important precedent for the club, encouraging players, managers, and fans to continue growing together. Simeone praised Rodrigo de Paul’s performance, calling it his best year since arriving at the club, highlighting his importance both on the field and in the locker room.
Regarding Le Normand, he acknowledged his good start but expects more from him, confident that his energy and defensive quality will continue to contribute to the team. He also highlighted the personal growth of Pablo Barrios, seeing him at his peak and with a promising future at the club.
The coach reaffirmed his confidence in Jan Oblak, considering him one of the best goalkeepers in the world, highlighting his evolution both on the field and in his leadership role in the locker room.
Simeone emphasized that the decisions about the lineup are based on current performance and the desire to close the season in the best possible way, without focusing on giving minutes with the World Club Cup in mind. Finally, with his characteristic pragmatism, he answered the question about what the team lacked to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona with a succinct: “More points.”
