Atlético de Madrid emerged victorious in the first round of the new Champions League format. Simeone's men faced an RB Leipzig that took an early lead. José María Gimenéz found the winning goal from a great assist from Griezmann, and we could see the Uruguayan crying during the celebration.
José María Giménez: "I am grateful to my colleagues for always giving me their confidence"
After scoring the winning goal, it was time for José María Giménez's interviews. His time in front of the microphones, during which we could see him getting emotional, left us with some interesting quotes and thanks to his teammates. The Uruguayan feels like one more Atlético de Madrid fan.
First came the summary of the match: "We started with a defensive lapse. We always talked about counterattacks, about how to hold off the opponent, we knew they could retreat to the back. They came out on the counterattack with three or four players out of position, and that was the counterattack that ended in a goal."
His feelings on the pitch, praising the Atlético de Madrid players : "It was difficult for us, but the team didn't stop fighting, didn't stop dreaming and believing, above all. That goal came at the end which is a credit to the work throughout the match."
Finally, with teary eyes, he wanted to send a message to the fans who doubt his physical condition. "I'm fine, happy, enjoying myself, in the end this is everyone's job. Very grateful to my teammates for always giving me confidence, to the coaching staff who trust in me and to these wonderful people (looking at the fans) who always support me."
The hard story of José María Giménez at Atlético de Madrid
On April 25, 2013, Atlético de Madrid made official the signing of José María Giménez , a young Uruguayan central defender, who was very promising at that time. The defender joined a team that would soon be fighting for titles such as LaLiga or the Champions League , under the orders of Simeone . His mentors were none other than players such as Diego Godín or Joao Miranda , who are some of the best central defenders who have passed through Atlético de Madrid .
Little by little, José María Giménez was winning over Simeone, who was including him in the dynamics of the first team . After the departure of Diego Godín , José María Giménez was destined to be his natural substitute on the field, and Simeone knew it. However, injuries have not allowed him to have the necessary continuity to excel, and his level has been affected by these breaks in recent years.
Although his performance on the pitch is always excellent, José María Giménez's injury history has not been positive so far. Luis Piñedo, Atlético de Madrid's new fitness coach and Simeone's new assistant, is helping to improve the situation. In the first match of the Champions League, José María Giménez has had a great defensive performance, which he put the icing on the cake with a goal in the last minute.