Atlético's coach, Diego Pablo Simeone, has spoken telematically with the media in the preview of tomorrow's LaLiga game against Villarreal (4:00 p.m. at the Wanda Metropolitano).
Is Suarez ready to play 90 minutes?
Now we have training after a day of recovery and depending on how I see him today we will decide the team for tomorrow.
What do you think of the absence of players in the Spanish National Team?
Nothing, it is a question for Luis Enrique, not for me.
What is the key for João Félix's attitude to have changed compared to last year?
Last season, in the preseason, he has managed the same enthusiasm and happiness in the game that he is showing now. In the first four or five games, until he was injured, he had made a very good start to the season. Let's hope he can sustain it, he can continue to grow with the team and we can continue to take advantage of a footballer in whom we have great enthusiasm for him.
Do you consider Villarreal's visit a litmus test?
We are starting LaLiga. We live game by game as we have always transmitted it. I think that the game against Granada and the start and the second half against Huesca is the line we must follow. We hope to take the game where we want tomorrow. Tomorrow we will face a great team, with great footballers and who will compete to be among the top positions in the competition.
Is your intention to rotate Costa and Suárez or will one be established as a starter?
I spoke with Costa before the season started and he knows what I want from him, what I need and what we have in mind. Luis has arrived recently and we are very excited about what he can bring us. We will continue to do what I have already discussed with them individually.
How do you rate the Champions League group?
We have already met with Lokomotiv last season. He is a complex rival at home. Salzburg were a revelation team last season against Liverpool and Napoli. He made a very good start to the Champions League, with a very fresh game. Bayern are the best of all by history, by hierarchy, by present. It gives me admiration to see a team press the way they do. We will have to give our best to move forward.
Do you consider this year of transition or will you demand more?
It is an important season because the players have grown compared to the previous season. We will not move away from match by match, which is what generates enthusiasm and enthusiasm and from reality, which is what counts, the match with Villarreal.
Do you see that Suárez and Costa are complementary to play together?
At some point they will surely be together on the field. The two have different characteristics. It is one of the options that the team has and it will surely appear at some point.