A man speaking at a UEFA Champions League press conference with various sponsor logos in the background.

Simeone gives Julián a helping hand and sends a warning to these players: 'We need you'

Diego Pablo Simeone praised Griezmann and Julián in a post-match press conference.

Atlético de Madrid's agonising 2-1 win over Leipzig in the first leg of the Champions League for Atlético de Madrid. A goal that meant three points but above all meant much more for the player himself. Many injuries later, the Uruguayan has found the consistency that is so necessary in this sport.

Prior to the press conference, Diego Pablo Simeone spoke to Movistar where he acknowledged the importance of the goal and the substitutions. " From the 60th minute onwards I saw that the team needed legs and I brought on Samu Lino, Sørloth and Gallagher who came on very well. In addition, Nahuel Molina also had a very good game and we need the substitutions to come on like they did today to achieve our objectives."

Regarding the objectives, Susana Guasch insisted to Simeone that he did not deviate from his typical "game by game" approach. She concluded these few minutes with the network with the rights to the Champions League by indicating that " this format forces us to win, although it would have been a good game despite the draw."

Man in dark suit shouting in a football stadium.
Simeone vs RB Leipzig | Europa Press

Julian Alvarez and De Paul are asked for more

Back in the room, Cholo Simeone had to deal with a few questions about the two most expensive Argentinians in the history of Atlético de Madrid. Rodigo De Paul left the field while some whistles could be heard, to which Simeone replied: "I didn't hear anything." While with Julián Álvarez, when asked if he had to change position, he replied: "I don't see anything strange."

It is true that the spider's performance is not being accompanied by goals, but Simeone praised his role in the match. " A nice steal from him led to the 1-1 and we need him. We know the potential he has and he came to play, just like Alexander Sørloth, sooner or later the goals will come."

Two Atlético de Madrid football players celebrate a goal by hugging each other on the pitch.
Rodrigo De Paul and Griezmann | Europapress

Antoine Griezmann: world top

The Frenchman from Macon is back in the most prestigious club competition. He has improved and improved until he became the Man of the Match . Omnipresent, mobile, generous in defensive and offensive efforts, in short, the Griezmann of always.

"Antoine is doing very well, we need him to be at this level and also for the team to support him so that he feels comfortable ." His was the first goal after a pass from Llorente, as was his the assist that he gave to Jose Maria Gimenez for the winning goal.

A soccer player wearing an Atletico Madrid shirt raises his hand in celebration during a match, while another player from the opposing team stands in the background.
Antoine Griezmann after the goal | Europa Press

Finally, he praised the performance of Arthur Vermeeren, a former player under his command. " He played well and we wish him the best. He is a player who has always been good to us and we are sure that good things will come his way."