Simeone: “In recent years we were not up to the task in the Cup”

Diego Pablo Simeone, Atlético’s coach, appeared before the media online at the press conference prior to the rojiblancos’ Copa del Rey match against Rayo Majadahonda tomorrow (9:30 pm, Four). On the table, several names such as that of the English side Trippier, what he thinks to replace him, the learning of the last unsuccessful years in the Cup, the concentration of Felipe and Kondogbia.

-Trippier, do you feel frustrated that you have not been able to convince him to stay ?: “I always look at the positive things. Absolutely grateful to all the time that Kieran has been here with us. The club has given him 48 hours to resolve the situation. He has behaved very well, he has worked very well, he has been a very important footballer for us. And now to always look ahead. To what is coming. And look for alternatives, as always, so that things work ”.

-What kind of substitute for Trippier would Cholo like, someone more defensive or someone with a profile more like English ?: “The club clearly knows what we need, want and what we are looking for. We are always in common agreement for everything that happens from now on. As far as possible and, if not, with the people we have ”.

-Copa del Rey, your team has had scares in recent seasons. From what was seen in the League against Rayo Vallecano, he feels that he will go to more in the remainder of the season: “The other day the work was very good and let’s hope for that upward line. To continue competing well, in the Cup also because in recent years we have not lived up to what the competition has asked for. Let’s hope this season we will learn from mistakes and face it with more forcefulness, stability and balance from the game ”.

-Kondogbia: “Your game against Rayo makes me very happy. Based on the very good performance he had on Sunday, matching that game at the start of the season, against Celta, after having been with us all summer. He has been working in different places within the team and, in his position, he is the player who is going to recover the most balls. The team needs him in that state and hopefully he can maintain consistency. If he does, he will have more minutes and will be able to count on an important player in that position ”.

-Copa, priority ahead of LaLiga ?: “At the moment we are going from day to day. With COVID, the positives, the negatives, the antigens … Not even game by game, I’d better stay on a day-to-day basis. And now to prepare tomorrow for the game, against a team, Rayo Majadahonda, which is very good in their competition, with a very good intention, especially collective, ”.

-Felipe. Your state. Will it be renewed ?: “What I expect from Felipe is his concentration. His best games are when he has raised it and that has helped him to perform in better competition in everything if I play. Think six months from now a lot. I expect a concentrated, strong Felipe, because he is an important center back when he is in that concentration ”.