Simeone: Mourinho has no right to disrespect referees, and the match was well-planned

Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético, spoke about the victory over Real Madrid by two goals to one in the capital derby, confirming that his team succeeded in executing their plan as required. He also sent a clear message regarding the refereeing controversy that occurred during the match and the statements made by José Mourinho.

Diego Simeone said about the game plan: "That's right. I think the match was well thought out by both teams, with our expectation that they would rely on quick transitions and play low to exploit those spaces. We controlled the first half very well. They didn't have any real chances to score, and we also didn't have many opportunities, except for a chance from Kang-in Lee that went past the post. We felt that we had control of the match."

He added: "The second half began, and there are always moments that can change the course of matches. Giuliano's moment started to change the game. We took the lead with an extra player, and we exploited the spaces we saw we could hurt them from on that side, and in the depth, and from there came Jonathan's goal. We went ahead 2-0, while Real Madrid retreated and waited for any mistake from us or a set piece, and they are very good at this type of ball."

The coach stated: "Real Madrid's goal came, and the danger is always present from Real Madrid, who continue to press and rotate until they equalize. We had some opportunities that we could have handled better offensively. As for Rüdiger's two saves and the moments that could have been red card situations, they cannot be red cards. Sometimes the decisions go in your favor, and sometimes they do not, and at the end of the year, things balance out. Well, no, they do not balance out. We understand that."

Diego Simeone responded to José Mourinho's press conference where he was seen holding images of controversial refereeing moments. He simply stated: "I have no comment."

The Argentine coach praised his forwards' commitment and the team's collective effort, stating: "I feel proud. We had talked about teamwork. We didn't just need the ten players who started the match, but we needed the talent of Koke, and some freshness from Julian, and for Lookman to come on better than he did... But I have no doubt that the team's collective effort was in line with the match we wanted to play."

He added: "Aside from the details of the red cards, the match was clear: there was a team that dominated the game, a team that knew how to exploit the important moments that were available to them, and another team that did not create scoring opportunities in this match in the way they are used to."

Regarding the importance of searching for a second goal and not settling for a one-goal lead, Simeone explained: "It is clear that leading 1-0 was not enough. We are growing as a team, and as I always say, we are in a building phase. Today the team grew, and showed calmness, especially in dealing with the period of numerical superiority, and we managed to create a chance to score the third goal, but Courtois and Rüdiger saved Real Madrid. Nevertheless, we controlled the match. There was one team that dominated, and another that did not play the match the way it was expected to be played."

Regarding the impact of refereeing decisions on the match, Simeone said: "These are moments in the game. Sometimes you benefit from them and sometimes you suffer because of them. The referees' manager clarified that the incident with Kuti did not warrant a red card. I won't go into details. But what I understand from our position is that respect for referees, even if we benefited from some decisions today, must be maintained, because if we don't, everything becomes permissible. Not everything is permissible, even if your name is Mourinho."

Regarding Julián Álvarez, Simeone sent a clear message of support for the Argentine player, saying: "We want him, and we need him. We are building a team that requires a lot of work, enthusiasm, and desire, and he is a very important player for the team. We also miss Sörloth and need him. Jonathan provides us with great benefit. I am happy for him, as he is the player we went to sign."