Diego Pablo Simeone spoke to the media in Lisbon , preparing to face Benfica tomorrow for the second day of the Champions League . The Argentine reviewed the current situation of the colchonero team and will have the hard loss of Robin Le Normand , who, according to the club, suffers from a head trauma with subdural hematoma .
Due to the absence of the Spanish international footballer, they have called up Gerónimo Spina at the last minute, who was registered in the B list of the UEFA Champions League . The Argentine, who was a starter last Saturday in Fuenlabrada , is experiencing his first call-up with Atlético de Madrid . The centre-back arrived a season ago from Estudiantes de la Plata amid strong criticism for his signing with the colchonero team, especially for leaving on a free transfer with parental authority.
The Argentine coach is considering giving Clément Lenglet his first minutes, as he could make his debut for Atlético in the Champions League . The absence of Le Normand , added to that of Azpilicueta , means that Lenglet is the only experienced centre-back he has alongside Giménez and Reinildo . After the tests in training, the coach from Buenos Aires will decide the team that will face Benfica in Lisbon .
Let's go to 2000 revolutions
He spoke about what happened last Sunday: "The coaches talk before and after the game and we go at 2000 rpm , but I'm not a refrigerator, I have my feelings," he said. The Argentine thanked the people for sending him messages making it clear that he represents many people. "If at any time I do it, they will sanction me, we need absolute firmness, now excuse me we think about Benfica ," he said.
He did not shy away from talking about his return to Da Luz , a special venue where he lost the Champions League. "I am happy to have had a wonderful time winning a league title the week before and playing in a Champions League final," he said. Regarding the incidents and possible sanctions, he made it clear: "I am only thinking about tomorrow's game, and that the people in charge of that do it in the best way possible."
Praise for Benfica and Griezmann for his retirement with France
Antoine Griezmann and the French national team: "I think it's wonderful that a player of Antoine's stature has made that decision. It speaks highly of him and his human and sporting qualities. He has given everything to his national team and today he is calm," he explained.
Admitting that "I hope we can continue to have him as always, because he is very important for us," he said. He sent a message to Ancelotti saying that "We both gave our all trying to do what we could," he said.
Plan against Benfica : "We don't have much time, we're still in the recovery phase, but the Champions League is different, it requires us to make an effort. We'll try to compete to take the game to where we think we can hurt them," he commented.