Diego Simeone is not giving up on his bid to win La Liga this season, despite Atletico Madrid being at a disadvantage to both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was delighted with Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid, but the Argentine insisted the Rojiblancos are not giving up despite being at a disadvantage in the race to win the La Liga title.
‘We congratulate our opponents for เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย their decisiveness in important moments. We played very well but it didn’t last long and we strengthened our game. At 2-1 we gave them more power, confidence and attack. We had chances to do better on the counter-attack but it ended with intent. We didn’t choose the last ball very well.’
‘The 2-2 came, the 2-3 came from a lucky shot, which is part of the game as well as the win and draw against Barcelona. Luck was on their side this time,’ Simeone said.
The defeat leaves Atletico Madrid at a disadvantage against both Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Blaugrana also having a game in hand.
‘Barcelona have a game in hand and we don’t know what will happen. They have a big advantage, we know that. We will take it one game at a time, focus on Espanyol and keep going until the end.’
Simeone admitted Atletico Madrid were not good enough to cope with Barcelona after Robert Lewandowski’s 72nd-minute equaliser before Ferran Torres equalised six minutes later.
‘When we were 2-0 up, the game was at a crucial point. Their goal didn’t give me time and I took too long to bring [Jose Maria] Jimenez on. I should have done that before they started the game but they scored. We started talking and the second goal came. That doesn’t mean if he came on it wouldn’t have happened but the team needs to be strong.’
‘It’s clear that Barca, with their weapons and top players, are willing to take risks. It worked out well for them. We congratulate them. We weren’t strong enough and couldn’t take advantage of the counter-attack.’
However, Simeone refused to cite fatigue from playing 120 minutes in the Champions League against Real Madrid in midweek.
‘It didn’t show because we needed new energy. (Rodrigo) De Paul has just recovered from the injury at Getafe, he struggled on Wednesday and today Julian (Alvarez) was not feeling well, had a cold and he played as you can see, it’s incredible, he reacted well and I can’t ask for more than what they give us. ‘