The Atlético coach spoke to the press in the run-up to the game against Barcelona. The rojiblanco team has lost Luis Suárez, Torreira, Herrera and Manu Sánchez during the international break, in the case of the two Uruguayans for contracting the concentrated coronavirus with their selection.
Has the protocol failed with the selections?
It would be occupying a place where it is not my turn to have an opinion on protocols. They are the ones that favor us all. As for the positives that have touched us, we are part of society and it can happen to some boy. We will have to go out with other players to meet in the games we have and we hope that Luis Suárez and Lucas (Torreira) will recover as soon as possible. We are in a moment in the world in which it can happen and it touched us.
Is it the moment to defeat Barcelona in the League?
Every game is an opportunity and obviously this is it. We will try to take the game where we can hurt and play the game we want. It is a rival with hierarchy, a squad that is being renewed, but with young players with experience and an exceptional level. It will be hard, difficult and we will try to achieve what we want for a long time.
Koke has shone with the National Team.
Obviously he is a very important player. For his tactical question, understanding the needs first of the team and then what he can give him and he has grown a lot from the quarantine onwards. It has a speed and a more dynamic pace, which is reproduced first on the team and then on the National Team. I understand that Koke at a not so positive moment in terms of football is basic tactically. Today that accompanies him the intensity, the dynamic game and the moment in which he is, he can develop everything he has.
Does Costa have options to be a starter?
Sure it does. He has returned to the group, he has played football and he is fine, he is here to play and obviously to take him into account when starting.
Do you think that Griezmann's performance is affected by not marrying Messi?
I have great personal affection for Antoine and it would not be appropriate for me to assess what happens to a team like Barcelona. Those are questions for the Barcelona coach and he will explain what he sees fit.
Carrasco's return is important.
Carrasco, like many other guys, is at a good level. He was out for a few weeks, he has been with the group this week, he is ready to play and there is good competition. Saúl can play, Lemar, who is very good, Carrasco can play there as he has been proving these days …
What differences are there between this Barcelona and the previous ones?
The trait of Barcelona is always the same. Then there are nuances in the post of the coach who leads them. I think his coach is trying to convey what the team shows: speed to recover the ball, an order at the start and a trait of the squad, led by footballers who have been at the club for many years and are the backbone like Piqué , Busquets, Messi, Ter Stegen and they guide them to be in a good moment.
Can João Félix become Atlético's Messi?
We are talking about João and it will be João. Everything he sets out to do will go in his own name. It grows daily, we are excited and excited because it is very good.
What is the best of Barcelona? Can the latest controversies affect you?
The best thing is that he has a goal. It will not affect anything that can be spoken from outside. The most important thing is what happens inside, regardless of whether there is noise that starts outside.