Diego Pablo Simeone addressed the media after Atlético's agonizing victory, coming back in the last ten minutes of the match to Osasuna. If he wins in Valladolid he will be league champion.
Did you fear for the title?
We were only concerned with solving our match. We had a very good first half, with many occasions, controlling the game. The rival team tried to close down and prevent us from scoring, but we had quite a few chances with little force in the final phase of the game. In the second half the same until they marked us. I think the changes gave us freshness and ended up closing a game where when we attacked with less precision we had more forcefulness with two goals. The joy and work reflected in what we have been showing all season, being a team and taking it out in difficult moments.
What did you think after Osasuna's goal?
I told them in the water break that the first thing was to draw and that would lead us to victory. A great goal from Lodi with a great pass from João and then a goal from Suárez as an area striker. I stay with the team, that word can show everything we have been doing this season.
Would it be unfair if the title escaped them?
I don't think negatively. We want to work first looking to rest, then arrive fresh and it is a final in Valladolid with an opponent who also needs victory. There is nothing else going through my head than preparing the week well.
In the changes did you have the feeling that Suárez would make the winning goal?
He knew that it was a moment when he was not due to go out. With so much game close to their goal, something could and did appear. A good play with Trippier with Carrasco, a good center back and the definition. To continue game by game more than ever with the hope and joy of being in a very beautiful moment for everyone.
In the first part the plan was coming out, but without being able to score.
At half-time we seek to play wider, to have shots from the edge of the area and not to focus to center, because they have those centrals that were taking them out. Finding Carrasco, Correa, Trippier, Llorente or Suárez in the area, but with the associated game, not with centers. Thus they could be ways to be able to lock in a team that defended very well against a very competitive team.
What does the next game mean to you?
Prepare with the same enthusiasm as when I arrived in 2011 to help the team. Arrive with freshness, be a fierce team, counter-strikers, that can sustain the attack, with a good response to the loss of the ball and that the fans continue to feel proud of the team we have.
How about the heart?
It's our life. We chose this profession, trying to do the best we can to get to this moment. Some of them have to win and others lose, but we do it with all the passion, the best predisposition and there are other teams that do it that way as well. I don't understand another word other than not loosen up.
He previously spoke at Movistar LaLiga
Was leaving so fast after the final whistle to go get a linden?
No, I want to go quickly to the locker room, just that.
You have been slow to come out to attend us, have you chatted with the players?
The team played a great game again, after the effort on Wednesday. We had many occasions, but we were not forceful. We managed the game until it seemed like a good goal from Budimir. Then, when we had fewer occasions, we were more forceful, and before the contrary
Was that lack of aim worrying?
Football is forceful and even more so when the championship squeezes you, each game squeezes you and the end is near. The forcefulness, then, takes more value.
Did he have the feeling that Suárez was scoring?
It's extraordinary. He came with a great rebellion, wanting to show that he was a forward in force. He was away from goal, but always working, with great effort, positioning himself well on the field. He has hierarchy and who better than him to solve a match that seemed to be going away.
Were you afraid that the players would despair after the 0-1?
The changes were good for us. Lodi and João got in well, Dembélé gave us a hand, Herrera also. The freshness gave us an air to appear at 1-1, a great goal with a great pass from João; then the good team play of 2-1. More than ever match by match. In Valladolid we will have the difficulty that there is in each game.
He hardly even celebrated 2-1 …
It is a moment to think, there was little left, but you had to strengthen yourself with Kondogbia and be better. Luis came from scoring the goal, his job was done. As a team, as we have always done, it was time to solve a very beautiful afternoon.
Valladolid now …
We only think about preparing the week well. We need to recover and prepare well for the final. Then to play in Valladolid with the difficulties that the League always offers. There are no small rivals and we look at everyone the same way.