Simeone: “The squad will be key to achieving the objectives”

Simeone, Atlético coach, analyzed the suffered victory of his team (1-0) against Sergio González's men, thanks to Vitolo's solitary goal.

Return to the Metroplitano. Going back to our stadium is always wonderful. Our people were not in body, but in soul. We made a very good first half, but in the second it started to get complicated because they worked very well defensively. That goal came that allowed us to take a very tough game.

Atlético's DNA. It will all cost us. It is not easy for anyone. The one who can better distribute the minutes and has more mental strength to compete every three days, will reach the objectives set.

Valladolid, a mirror. Today we have not played like Valladolid. We have played a lot of games like Valladolid. In the first half we have had three important occasions. We have an important game.

Peace of mind with victory? Nothing quiet. Playing every three and a half days there is nothing quiet.

Simeone then attended the media telematically.

Victory that tastes like Champions. Very important, with an opponent who already played the same game for us in the first round, they closed all the paths to play against us and take advantage of the extreme speed. In the first half we had situations to open the scoreboard with a little precision. In the second, against the clock and with the need to win, they were an orderly team that went dangerously against the counter. We were on the verge of winning or losing it. A great result that helps us move forward and think about Levante.

Has any player missed the opportunity? No, for some it was the first after three months and it is not easy. We already talked about it, we need everyone and we see it with facts. He played very young Manu, and it is his third game, second in the League. He played very well, clearly, with personality, without fear, with few losses. A very positive image. The team knew how to make the match.

The Wanda in silence. My attitude does not change, I do not react accordingly if there are people, I behave the same way. There were no people in body, but there were people in soul and the team pushed from the beginning until the goal came to achieve a very important victory.

The template is the key. We understand that it is happening to almost all teams, rotating more or less footballers. I have no doubt that the squad will be key towards the objectives. Hopefully they all feel important, although it is not easy. Our preparation, as coaches, will be key for them to perform every three or six days, when the team needs it.

Seven of nine points. It is always important to add and obviously when you win much better. We have things to improve, it has been three months without competition with a preparation that is not normal and now playing every three days. You have to work, reinvent yourself and not look for excuses, but act.

Does it affect heat and fatigue? These are circumstances to adapt and respond to, because you have to win. Whatever beats is good.

Marcos Llorente. We have always had important footballers who have adapted to various places on the field to be important, Saúl, Koke, Thomas, Griezmann in his day… Marcos has strength, vitality and in the first half he and João broke many times, with good movements and with intensity. If he gives us options, first better for him because he has more possibilities to play and we have the option of putting him as a driver on the right or a striker.

Tributes. The silence and emptiness with that music were pure emotion. Many people have left us, but many of those who have left have left a lot for Atlético and it will remain in the memory of friends and the people who have worked with them.