Atletico Madrid coach Simeone was interviewed before the Madrid Derby, analyzing the current situation of the team and the upcoming game, and talking about the showdown with Real Madrid.
How do you view the upcoming derby with Real Madrid?
I will not evaluate the past, I live in the present. I see Real Madrid growing at the collective level. They have done a very good job in their position offense and have all involved in the defensive work, so that they can oppress at higher positions. That's why they won all six games.
The points gap between the two teams will not have an impact. Just like the results of our fights over the years, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have maintained a significant balance. The points gap no longer exists when the game begins, and as the game progresses, the strength of the team determines the direction of the game, which is why they earn more points. This will be a stalemate in the midfield, and the offense and defense transition will be decisive. I expected the game to be like this.
Is this a showdown between coaches?
This is not a showdown between coaches, because what really matters is the players. I'm not the right person to evaluate what changes the new coach (Real Madrid) brings. I only talk about opponents. I don't think our coach is the decisive factor. The most valuable asset in the game is the players, and they create the difference.
How to evaluate the team's current status and stability?
Atletico Madrid has not shown good stability so far, because after a profound change, the team is still looking for their identity. We have eight new players and seven last season. We are in the process, working to be a better team. In the early stages of this process, we did a good job in some aspects and some areas need improvement. I hope we can improve one game after another and get better and better. What impact will the intensive schedule of the
team have?
(The gap between points and Real Madrid?) We don't consider this. We only think about how to deal with this game and how to get the players back from these three games. To get close to the players, they have to put in a huge effort. Tuesday is the fourth game. This effort will depend on the will and spirit of sacrifice of the players.
How do you view Alvarez's state? He just made a hat trick
I saw Alvarez in full form, he was very happy and was very devoted to the club and the team. Everyone likes him very much. Hopefully he can play a great game. I don't think what happened the other day (hat trick) was a relief for him because he was anxious about only one goal in the previous seven games.
I don't think so. His first goal last season was scored in the fifth round, and he ended up scoring 18 goals in the league. He is extraordinary and the best player we have and we will help him become stronger.
What do you think about other players in the team, such as Baenna, Hanchiko, Laspadori and Rugeri?
Regarding Baena, I believe he may be important in this showdown. He must have a game to start, whether it is this or the next. Given his understanding of football in the final stages of the game, he is one of our best players. Whether he plays for 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 60 minutes, we hope that he can perform in the best way and bring us a lot of things during his playing time.
Regarding Hanchiko, I like him playing fullback and central defender. I haven't decided where to play against Real Madrid.
I look forward to them (Laspadori and Rugeri) making more contributions. Raspadori is training with higher continuity and we will help him reach his best, he has skills, goals, breakthroughs, and a team vision. The same goes for Matteo (Rujerry), who needs to pay more on the wing and performed well after he came on as a substitute in the last game. We need more, we will ask them for it and let them show what we know they can do.
source:Online H5 Games