Atlético de Madrid travel to Bilbao this weekend, where they will face Athletic Club . The team managed by Diego Pablo Simeone , who are coming off a draw against RCD Espanyol , want to take a step forward. On a difficult pitch, the red-and-whites must improve in terms of performance.
Before travelling to the city of Biscay, Diego Pablo Simeone has appeared before the media. Before the last training session before the match, the Atlético de Madrid manager has been clear about what he thinks. Thus, many things can be deduced about the position of the capital club.
Simeone gives voice to what Atlético de Madrid thinks
One of the issues that is currently in the spotlight for the club that plays its matches at the Metropolitano is the transfer market. After all the arrivals that the team from the capital has made, there was speculation about more. In fact, Diego Pablo Simeone himself did not close the door to more reinforcements.
However, following up on the statements made by the president Enrique Cerezo , the coach has been clear. “Unless there are any surprises, everything is fine, we have the squad closed.” With these words, he practically puts the finishing touch to one of the most lively transfer markets in recent times.
Simeone analyses the match and what it means to play at San Mamés for Atlético de Madrid
“Every time we play in Bilbao we know how difficult it is. A strong opponent at home with its fans, who have had their best years and have won the Copa del Rey . We imagine it will be a difficult match and we have to take it where we want it to go.”
Simeone, blunt about the famous hydration breaks
“Nobody cares what we do, the hydration break is here and we have to put up with it.”
Simeone analyses competing for all the titles for Atlético de Madrid
“Since I arrived 12 years ago we have tried to compete in all competitions in the best way we can.”
Could Simeone remove a centre-back to add a midfielder?
“It all depends on how you want to see it. There are teams that attack in 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 , they defend in 5-3-2 and you don’t see it. These are moments in the game, many teams attack in different ways.”
"As coaches, we are looking for the best way to defend and attack. To enhance their characteristics and hurt the opponent."
Simeone analyses the new Champions League format for Atlético de Madrid
“We don't know who we're going to play against and we have to add points. We all play against each other. We have to take it game by game because what matters most is the number of points.”
Simeone and Atlético de Madrid's objective, clearer than ever
“It's very clear, we'll take it one game at a time.” With these words, Atlético de Madrid is facing one of the biggest challenges of the season. Everyone in the club knows that if they get the three points at San Mamés , they will take a step forward and they are working on it.