Simeone: “Some like to compete and others prefer to go to another team to get minutes”

The technician valued the imminent departure of Lodi, whom he thanked for “always” working “in a committed manner”

MADRID, 28 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The coach of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone, valued this Sunday the imminent departure of Renan Lodi, whom he thanked for his “work” and predisposition “in a committed manner”, although he stated that, faced with the competition, “some like to compete and others prefer to go to another team to get those minutes”, also arguing that the Brazilian side wants continuity for the World Cup.

“Lodi needed to play, have continuity and have a lot of minutes, due to the World Cup situation and he went to look for what they think they can give him. I don’t have a commitment here with anyone, there is a lot of competition in the position, there is some who like to compete and others prefer to go to another team to get those minutes that make them reach the World Cup in the best way”, explained the Argentine at a press conference.

In recent days, rumors of a possible exit have surrounded the side and this Sunday, although it is not yet confirmed, Simeone has fired him in front of the media. “To Renan, thank him for his work, that he was predisposed for everything, he has always done it in a committed way and we have always appreciated him,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s just me who is worried about the market, there are many teams that live with this economic concern. The club is working on some arrival to compensate for Lodi’s departure, let’s see what happens in these four market days”, stated about the substitute of the Brazilian.

In the list of names, the Argentine coach was asked about Sergio Reguilón, formerly of Real Madrid and currently at Tottenham, and if his arrival might not please the rojiblanca fans due to his white past. “Juanfran and Filipe Luis went through Real Madrid and now they are the history of the club. Morata is doing well, Llorente destroyed it in the year of the championship… I look at them as soccer players”, he recalled.

Regarding Monday’s game against Valencia at Mestalla (22.00), he praised the “good energy” of Gennaro Gattuso’s men. “It is a team that is very much reflected in its coach, with a high rhythm and very good intensity. With man-to-man marking and with quality players, with people who can do damage offensively,” he analyzed.

Finally, he addressed the issue of Antoine Griezmann’s effective minutes and the clause in his contract that deals with this issue for a future purchase. “The quality of minutes matters more than the quantity of minutes. Having Griezmann available is always very satisfying for me,” Simeone settled.