MADRID, 17 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone, recognized that the victory, with an “important” penalty and goal in the 100th minute, against Espanyol (2-1) left an afternoon of celebration in a Wanda Metropolitano united with his team in the battle they have left in the League to be among the top four.
“We sensed from the movements of the players that something could have happened but we didn’t see it. When they call you from the VAR to review, it could very possibly be a penalty and the referee made the decision in the same way that Kondogbia left the field, in a play also complex,” he said at a press conference.
The rojiblanco coach was asked first about that action in discount time that the referee had to review to point out a penalty from Raúl de Tomás. “An important penalty, a responsibility in Carrasco, a very important goal for our League. We came from a very big effort against City, from a bad game in the League against Mallorca, from another thick first half and in the second one more team dynamic,” he said.
“The changes generated a back and forth where Oblak was decisive and from there came Carrasco’s goal and with Reinildo we balanced the team better, so as not to have to reach that end. It was Children’s Day, many people, after a tough tie, people responded brilliantly by coming to the stadium. The team looked for it, took risks, with great effort, it’s not easy,” he added.
The ‘Cholo’ confessed that he decided to match the rival’s line of five and explained that they should have been more forceful to avoid reaching that dramatic outcome. “Herrera’s absence was important for them, he has always maintained the system of four, but we understood that he was on his way to having the ball, that’s why we equalized the system.
Having a competitive squad that wants to show off, changes will always be very important,” he said.
“If we had been forceful, the aftermath would not have happened. What we were able to resolve with goals generated what happened. VAR has to continue improving because it is always fairer,” he added, to end with an assessment of Griezmann’s moment and future. “He is always an important player for us, for this streak to end is not normal, we only think about this season, and we will soon find a Griezmann who will return to goal,” he concluded.