At a recent press conference, Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone shared his reflections following a thrilling performance from his squad. With plenty of matches still on the calendar, Simeone emphasized the importance of taking things one game at a time, especially with a tough fixture against Villarreal looming before their upcoming trip to Russia.
“We’ve seen the growth in our players,” Simeone said. “Everyone who’s available is ready to compete. I do my best to treat each player fairly and with respect.” He expressed hope that the title race would remain open during the final five matches. “If the championship is still undecided by then, we’ll be talking about something entirely different.”
Simeone avoided commenting on Eden Hazard’s intentions, telling reporters, “That’s a question for him.” He instead praised his own squad, particularly Vitolo, who scored a stunning goal and continues to carve out a role for himself. “It’s not easy to integrate quickly at Atlético, but he’s slowly becoming essential,” Simeone remarked.
The match also saw a standout performance from Antoine Griezmann, who both scored and provided a brilliant assist. “He played for the team. I speak based on facts, not speculation,” Simeone stated, adding, “What happens tomorrow, we’ll deal with tomorrow.”
Reflecting on the game, Simeone noted that despite Celta’s aggressive attacking tactics, his team maintained composure and control. “At the start, our passing wasn’t sharp enough, which cost us momentum. But Vitolo’s goal gave us a comfortable edge.”
Celta came close to equalizing, even hitting the post, but Atlético held firm. Vitolo did take a knock during the match, raising some concern, though medical staff will evaluate his condition. Simeone also highlighted the powerful home atmosphere at Wanda Metropolitano. “We always feel at home here. When we get good results, this stadium starts writing its own story.”
As international attention builds around events like the BD Cricket Match, the passion and drive seen in Atlético’s camp show that football’s spirit remains alive and kicking. With the BD Cricket Match setting the global tempo, Simeone’s team continues to fight their own fierce battles on the European stage.