Atlético de Madrid are starting a new season in the Champions League, and they do so with a clear objective. That is none other than to recover their role as a team that bothers the big teams of the Old Continent. After their good start to the season in LaLiga, Diego Pablo Simeone's team is on that path.
The Buenos Aires coach wants to take things step by step, he knows that nothing is easy and that his players must earn it every day. The first match is this Thursday against RB Leipzig, in which an 'ex' player returns: Arthur Vermeeren. For this reason, Diego Pablo Simeone is cautious, he is aware that they must take the match calmly.
Diego Pablo Simeone puts the spotlight on Julian Alvarez
Before the match, Diego Pablo Simeone has passed through the auditorium of the Metropolitano to appear before the media. In his speech, the Argentine has been clear about this match, which could be crucial for Atlético de Madrid . It is not surprising, since, with the change of format, victories are more vital than ever.
One of the keys is the adaptation of Julián Alvarez, who made his debut as a goalscorer against Valencia. Diego Pablo Simeone has been clear about the arrival of the former Manchester City player, who has his full confidence.
"He is a noble, hard-working boy, I'm sure he has many important things to give us. He had a short vacation, little training, went with the national team and came back. We have to help him and we need him in the best way possible. We will demand from him because we know what he can give us. We saw the goal the other day and hopefully it will be the first of many."
Diego Pablo Simeone's assessment of Alexander Sorloth
"I see him in very good shape, whether he plays 10 minutes or 90 is important. He's different and we need him to play the way he's playing. He's had goal-scoring opportunities in almost every game he's played.
Simeone analyses the change in the Champions League format
"Everything is positive. We have to win, it doesn't matter who we have to play against, we have to win. We saw how the strong teams started and it encourages us all to start off winning," analysed the Atlético de Madrid coach.
Simeone talks about the motivation of playing in the Champions League
Playing in the Champions League is very difficult and we have to give it the value it deserves because of how difficult it is to qualify. From there, it answers itself. Competing in this competition is something that almost all players dream of, we have the opportunity. From there, we have to get excited to give joy to our fans, who are the ones who take all the heat."
The hierarchy within the Atlético de Madrid dressing room
"When you go out on the pitch you try to do your job in the best way possible, but last year you also played and they scored against us. The team is more committed when it comes to defending, you can see that solidity and if you see the forwards running... It's the line we have to follow because we have the quality to score goals."