Simeone: “Thank you, thank you and thank you for all the support” | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Pablo Simeone spoke to the press ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. The Atlético boss analyzed how the team is approaching the final, sent a message to the fans, and confirmed that Pablo Barrios will be available for the team.

EVOLUTION SINCE THE LAST CUP FINAL  

“You always end up evolving in life, and the same goes for coaches and players. We have kept growing as a club, with a plan and a goal; in that sense, we have changed very little.” 

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED

“We know how wonderful it is for any athlete to play in a final. Both teams will give everything to win. We played in the Champions League on Tuesday, now we come back down to earth, which is what matters, and we know the difficulties we are going to face: an opponent with good, young players.” 

MESSAGE TO THE FANS 

“Thank you, thank you, and thank you for all the support since I arrived in 1995, when I came back at the end of my career, when I started amid the team’s difficulties when we began. Together we were able to go through the enormous growth the club has experienced all over the world. Thank you, I can’t say anything else.”

HOW DO YOU MANAGE WINNING

“With enthusiasm, faith, humility, and confidence.”  

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS FINAL?

“It’s a process that keeps evolving, with humility and knowing where to go; it has a path. The path does not always end up being what one wants, but it is what one seeks, and what we are looking for is clearly visible.” 

DID YOU IMAGINE YOURSELF BEING IN THIS FINAL?

“I always imagine the best; I have no other way of thinking. It’s not just about winning a Cup, it is a purpose tied to many things. Obviously, we are going to give everything; it’s not only about winning a Copa del Rey.” 

THE HOURS LEADING UP TO IT 

“It varies depending on the moment: quiet, calm, reserved, and knowing that my role is important, but the decisive role belongs to the players, and that space is for them, supporting them so they can show what they know how to do.”

 PABLO BARRIOS

“Everyone who is included in tomorrow’s squad, we believe, can help us. Pablo will be with us tomorrow and can help us if the team needs him.”

MORE ADVANTAGE FOR THE MORE EXPERIENCED PLAYERS

“There is no rule; age does not matter. I always say that a young player or a 36-year-old player can have an exceptional mindset. The mentality, the strength, and the match are all in their heads. Those who can handle it best as the match unfolds will benefit.”

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