Satisfied with Atlético Madrid's performance, despite the 2-1 loss to Barcelona at the "Metropolitano," Diego Simeone spoke after the match.
The “Roji-Blancos” took the lead, but Barcelona turned the game around, led by Fermín López, who scored both goals for the “Blaugrana” and kept them at the top of La Liga.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Fanourios on the loss to Olympiacos: “An unexpected loss”
Simeone focused primarily on his team’s effort and the difference in efficiency between the two sides.
“I’m very pleased with the outstanding performance by my players. I have nothing to criticize them for. We managed to force the opponent into situations where they didn’t feel comfortable. We didn’t have the same efficiency we’ve shown on other occasions, and they, with their high level of confidence, capitalized on the opportunities they created. I’m proud of the players,” he said.
When asked if he considered the result fair, he replied in his familiar, direct manner: “Yes, it’s fair because they scored two goals and we scored one.”
The Argentine coach emphasized that Atlético managed for a long time to steer the game in the direction they wanted, but paid the price for a lack of composure in the final moments.
“We had chances through Baena and Sorloth. They had possession, but didn’t create too many opportunities. I’m leaving satisfied with the team, knowing that we’re still building. We have things to improve and players who need to continue developing,” he commented.
He made a special mention of Julián Álvarez, whom he fully supported despite the fact that he didn’t manage to score.
“He had a strong game. He was involved in three key plays, in addition to the assist to Giuliano. He had that play in the second half, the cross to Baena… What more can we ask of him? We’d all have liked to see him score, but we’ll wait for him. We need him, because if we want to get where we want to go, we need the best Julián,” he emphasized.
Simeone also ruled out the possibility of a trust issue with the Argentine forward.
“I’m not inside his head to know how he feels, but he has our complete trust. He’s an exceptional player; we love him very much and we need him. Of the five good scoring chances we created, he was involved in three or four of them. The only thing missing was the goal, and that will come.”
As for Atlético’s two consecutive losses, the team’s coach kept a low profile, limiting himself to a single word: “Calm.”
*photo source: KYPE
