Simeone's comments continue to draw responses more than 48 hours after the Madrid derby. Yesterday, in the press conference before the match against Benfica, the coach was asked about his comments about Thibaut Courtois. The Argentine has not wanted to correct himself and continues to ask for a sanction for those who provoke the public.
As expected, the media in Spain have been quick to attack Simeone. In fact, there are some who still claim that he should apologize to the Belgian goalkeeper for his words. Even so, Atlético de Madrid are only focused on tonight's match and continuing their good run of results.
New attacks on Simeone
Yesterday's press conference in Lisbon has naturally served to further heat up the atmosphere following the throwing of objects last Sunday. Many journalists have attacked Simeone, as he demanded sanctions for both those involved and the provocateurs . He is referring to Thibaut Courtois , who had an exchange of gestures and words with the stands at the Metropolitano after the goal that made it 0-1.
“I have received millions of messages thanking me for what I said,” revealed Simeone yesterday when asked about his words on Sunday. However, the Spanish press wants to continue to hype his statements and attacks him after maintaining the same point of view. “48 hours have passed and Simeone still has not apologized to Courtois ,” Josep Pedrerol began saying on his programme.
For his part, Manu Carreño maintained the same critical line and did not hesitate to go against the Argentine's latest statements. "He repeats his mistake 48 hours later and loses a good opportunity to qualify his speech," he said on his radio station. As is normal, the Atlético fans are very happy with the defense their coach has made of what happened on Sunday.
Decisive clash in Lisbon
Far from controversy, Atlético de Madrid faces tonight a duel that could be decisive for the future in the Champions League . The colchoneros want to continue on the path of victory and will seek to take a vital victory against Benfica . The Portuguese team faces this day after having achieved a wide thrashing last weekend against Gil Vicente .
Simeone will be without Robin Le Normand, who suffered a serious head injury against Real Madrid. The Argentine coach will have his entire squad available, except for the injured Pablo Barrios and César Azpilicueta. In addition, everything points to there being some changes compared to the starting line-up that took to the pitch last Sunday.