MADRID, 25 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone, explained his decision not to rest Antoine Griezmann because the Frenchman “has something different that can always appear”, as it turned out as the author of the 1-0 win over Mallorca.
“Very important like all points. All games are complex, each one different. Today an opponent who defended orderly, who took advantage of the counterattack. We couldn’t take the lead in the first 30 minutes, which gave us peace of mind, we went to rest “We put more into the game and the goal appeared. The changes also gave us vitality and then they could have tied us, perhaps it would have been unfair,” he said at a press conference.
The ‘Cholo’ was asked in particular about Griezmann who scored the winning goal in the 64th minute, a great header, despite the fact that he was not shining and the wear and tear of playing with France. “Beyond the first half of not having been playing a very good game, he always has something different that can appear,” he stated.
“We opted to leave him knowing that he had just played two 90-minute games with his national team, that on Tuesday we have to count on him again, but he manages himself very well, he brings into the game what he needs from his game. It’s a shame that “We clubs have to manage the players, that’s what we have to do,” he added.
On the other hand, Simeone once again celebrated the contribution from the bench and did not want to talk about the next match against FC Barcelona in the League or about numbers from other successful campaigns. “We have more tools available to all footballers to be able to play with what is happening in the game. We seek to give the game people who can attack,” he said.
“We don’t have to look anywhere, only at the game on Tuesday. In these three days we will have to rest to get there in the best way,” he added, thinking about the Champions League and celebrating the 16 consecutive League victories at home, thank you to “the energy” that comes down from the stands.
On the other hand, the red and white coach congratulated Koke on his 600 games. “An extraordinary number, they deserve it, they have earned it, we have shared a lot together and we thank them for their commitment, work, nobility and respect,” he concluded.