
Simeone: The match was very good and we felt comfortable after the initial struggles
Argentinian Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atletico Madrid, expressed his complete satisfaction following his team's 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the fourth round of the Spanish league, confirming that the performance was positive and showed noticeable improvement compared to previous matches.
Simeone said: "We feel relieved, given the responsibility we bear, we deserved better results in previous matches, and today we played against a team that excels in counter-attacks. We started the match gradually, then the performance improved in the second half, and Nico's wonderful goal helped us a lot. We made a significant effort to sign him, and today he showed us his value from the left side."
The Argentine coach pointed to the importance of fan support, explaining why he stayed on the field after the match ended: "It wasn't an ordinary day, after we only collected two points from previous rounds, the fans needed the victory. I found it a suitable moment to get closer to them and enjoy this win before we start thinking about the upcoming match against Liverpool."
Regarding individual performances, Simeone praised the duo Koke and Griezmann, saying: "When I talk about Koke and Griezmann, I feel a great emotion because they represent the living history of Atletico Madrid. They played today because the match was suitable for them, given their prestige and stability. We need them when I see the time is right, as was the case today."
He added about the style of play and effectiveness: "We had 25 to 30 outstanding minutes. The first goal came as a result of our high pressing in the opponent's half, while Giuliano's chance was wonderful but lacked calmness. Overall, we were organized, and we succeeded in controlling the match and closing spaces against Villarreal's counter-attacks."
On the condition of the injured duo, he said: "As for Giuliano, we will wait until tomorrow morning to see his condition, and we hope it's not serious. As for Hanko, he suffered a sprain in his ankle, and we will also assess his condition tomorrow. We haven't spoken with the medical staff yet."
Simeone concluded his statements by affirming the team's identity and spirit of victory: "We are in a period that requires a lot of work, and the fans want victories. It's natural for them to expect strong performances and positive results. I believe we had a great match, and the match overall was very good. The opponent did not control the game, and although we could have finished some chances better, I am very happy with what the players delivered."
Simeone said: "We feel relieved, given the responsibility we bear, we deserved better results in previous matches, and today we played against a team that excels in counter-attacks. We started the match gradually, then the performance improved in the second half, and Nico's wonderful goal helped us a lot. We made a significant effort to sign him, and today he showed us his value from the left side."
The Argentine coach pointed to the importance of fan support, explaining why he stayed on the field after the match ended: "It wasn't an ordinary day, after we only collected two points from previous rounds, the fans needed the victory. I found it a suitable moment to get closer to them and enjoy this win before we start thinking about the upcoming match against Liverpool."
Regarding individual performances, Simeone praised the duo Koke and Griezmann, saying: "When I talk about Koke and Griezmann, I feel a great emotion because they represent the living history of Atletico Madrid. They played today because the match was suitable for them, given their prestige and stability. We need them when I see the time is right, as was the case today."
He added about the style of play and effectiveness: "We had 25 to 30 outstanding minutes. The first goal came as a result of our high pressing in the opponent's half, while Giuliano's chance was wonderful but lacked calmness. Overall, we were organized, and we succeeded in controlling the match and closing spaces against Villarreal's counter-attacks."
On the condition of the injured duo, he said: "As for Giuliano, we will wait until tomorrow morning to see his condition, and we hope it's not serious. As for Hanko, he suffered a sprain in his ankle, and we will also assess his condition tomorrow. We haven't spoken with the medical staff yet."
Simeone concluded his statements by affirming the team's identity and spirit of victory: "We are in a period that requires a lot of work, and the fans want victories. It's natural for them to expect strong performances and positive results. I believe we had a great match, and the match overall was very good. The opponent did not control the game, and although we could have finished some chances better, I am very happy with what the players delivered."