Diego Pablo Simeone, Atlético coach, He attended the media in the preview of the visit to the Royal Society this Tuesday (12:45). The coach praised his next rival and Imanol, confirmed that João Félix is better from his blow and does not rule out Barça from the fight for the title.
Are they clear when it is hand and when it is not?
It is one more question for the referees and those who work in the VAR. We manage the teams, we try to do our best and the refereeing decisions depend on them.
How is João Félix? Of the blow and in the performance …
The team itself has maintained stability, except for the first half against Madrid. He has always played well as a result of what we have been doing. João had an important blow, he is treating himself and today he has trained well, we will decide whether to start from the start or waiting to enter the end.
Atleti has twice as many goals as last year. Does the arrival of Suárez or the change in style influence more?
Everything is a consequence. The growth appeared when returning from the quarantine, those 11 games were done very well, with another different step in the opposite field in front of goal, situations, penalties in favor … This season we continue in that line, we have improved as coaches in proposal and they have perfectly interpreted what we wanted to get out of the very good players we have.
How do you see the Real? Has it changed in a year more or less than Atleti?
We have changed, last year we arrived at Anoeta after three victories and they were superior, especially in the first half. When we wanted to get into the game, we couldn't. La Real continues to grow, with a coach with very clear ideas, he knows what he needs from his players and they express it in the game. They have many more replacements than last year, Silva has given them hierarchy in the center of the field and from the middle forward they have very good players, they score many goals and attack as they attack because of that, they have more intensity. It is a rival that has been competing for years with a very good level.
What rival do you expect?
What we see in all the games, competing very well, with a clear game from the low sides, until the exit of three with Portu if he plays, imagining a 5-3-2 in attack … It is not easy to control them because they arrive frequently to the goal zone, to the wings to exploit Oyarzabal's careers… It's nice to see him play, it's an intense team.
Do you find any similarities between Suárez and Falcao?
They are two auctioneers, the characteristics of Villa and Costa have been different. Torres, Mandzukic are also more strikers… The comparison between Falcao and Suárez can be real because they live by scoring goals and they need the team to supply them and make them feel comfortable in the area.
Is Barça ruled out? Is it League of Two?
No.
Will it be a duel with Madrid?
No.
Do you value going out with Costa, João and Suárez at the same time?
I think not yet, I don't see it to begin with, but we can end it. The Balaídos thing is a reference, but Diego was injured. Being well they are very dangerous and can play together. We will have to be patient and as a coach we have to exploit the best moment of our players. The important thing is to put them on when they are better and that they show what one sees during the week.