Koke: Whether you play more or less, what matters is Atleti winning | OneFootball

Koke in the build-up to the Atlético de Madrid – Union Saint-Gilloise match analyzed a new Champions League game.

HOW DOES KOKE MANAGE TO BE IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE?

"I usually do the same things I've always done since I was young. Now, for recovery, I try to recover a bit more. I don't really have any secrets. What I try to do on the pitch is what the coach asks for and what the team needs. What I've always done, I've done since I was young."

TEAM CHANGES

"Last season we also played great football, just like this season. It's true that you play better when you're solid in both boxes, and I'm really enjoying this season. I'm having a lot of fun, and that's important not just for the team, but also for me. Enjoying myself, feeling comfortable. Beyond the transformation, we try to make a great team with the players who come in and those of us who have been here for years, and we take things as they come in each match."

HOW DOES YOUR MIDFIELD PARTNER AFFECT YOU?

"If I have to play, I feel good with any teammate, they're all top level. Barrios, for example, covers more ground, is more physical than Baena, who has more vision and goal-scoring ability. It depends on the teammate—Thiago Almada drops deep to receive, combines well... Gallagher is more aggressive, Johnny has a different profile when he plays. You have to adapt to your teammate, but they're all top-level footballers, they're growing and they're young, and that makes me happy. They have to keep growing because one day it will be their turn to lead."

DID THE CRITICISM AFFECT YOU? ARE YOU ENJOYING IT IN A SPECIAL WAY NOW?

"I always enjoy it, especially when we win. That's the most important thing. You can play better or worse, but what matters to me is that the team wins. I can be in good or bad form, those are phases that all players go through. But I enjoy every day to the fullest, because I'm older and one day it will end, although hopefully as late as possible. I try to enjoy every training session, every match, every minute I get to wear this shirt, and I always will. Whether you play more or less, the most important thing is that Atleti wins."

KEY TO GETTING BACK TO FEELING GOOD?

"The first thing you said, being solid in both boxes is what makes the difference. If you don't concede goals and you score them... you win games."

KEY MONTH IN THE COMPETITION

"At home we feel very comfortable, with our people, that's the reality. The other day we played a great game against Betis, away from home we had played well, but we hadn't been solid. And at home, we have to be as strong as we are, or even more. We're having a great season at home and we have to keep it up."

DESPITE BAD RESULTS, THERE'S A UNITED GROUP

"Obviously, we've always had a good atmosphere. There are moments in the season when things are better, like... when you're winning, you're happier than when you lose. We're on a good run, and you can see a really good atmosphere, but we've always had it. There have been really good people in the dressing room, we've hardly ever had any problems and that's fundamental. Does success come from having a good atmosphere? You might be closer to winning, but it doesn't guarantee it. In the end, what guarantees winning and success is the pitch, and that's where we all have to deliver. Obviously, it's easier when you're comfortable with your teammates, happy and contributing. But what brings success is the pitch and winning games."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.