Simeone: "The team knew we had to defend the 1-0 lead" | OneFootball

The coach of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone, analyzed the narrow victory in the first match of the year at the Metropolitano against Alavés.

LACK OF EFFECTIVENESS

"It's football, the first half was one of the best, we played in the opponent's half, managed well where to play, and had chances. That's what you can demand from a team. Then we had calm and patience, there was Barrios' chance that went to Sørloth before the goal, then Almada's, Baena's shot that hit the post... and in the end, the opponent feels they can equalize because the lead is minimal, it's normal to go through those situations because you're only winning 1-0."

JULIÁN ÁLVAREZ

"He played a great match, like against Madrid and in Coruña. Today he was playing well. The goal will come. I'm not worried because he has goals in him. He just needs to keep working with the stability he has at Atlético. Soon we'll be talking about his goals."

CONCERN IN THE OFFENSIVE PHASE

"There's no other way to accept things that can't be changed. Sometimes you're more decisive, sometimes less, I've already accepted that."

SUPPORT FROM THE FANS

"I see the fans very well, close to the team and singing all the time, we need them close."

S∅RLOTH

"I didn't know about these situations, I think since he arrived at the club, this is the most stable, regular, and consistent I've seen him. He has chances in every match and, whether he scores or not, you can't say anything to him because that's what you need from a player in that position."

LACK OF DECISIVENESS

"They have the talent and the quality, sometimes you're fresher and can finish the plays, but the team creates chances and competes. I prefer this to Atlético not attacking and not having this style of play."

TRANSFER MARKET

"It's true that Javi had played little and Carlos Martín as well, but we could count on them if we needed them. Today they're not here and there isn't anyone yet. We're waiting for things to move forward and for the needs we've talked about to arrive. Conor would have come on today if we had him because we needed a player with those characteristics, that's why we ended up with Llorente there, who any day now will ask me what position he hasn't played yet."

DEFENSIVE CHANGES

"You forgot Griezmann and Baena, who were also among the changes, it could be that the team interpreted that they had to defend the 1-0, but they did it very well."

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