Diego Simeone insisted Atletico Madrid are merely centered on “recreation by recreation” throughout a tense press convention, following his facet’s combined begin to the LaLiga season.
Los Rojiblancos’ head coach, who was talking forward of their journey to face Athletic Bilbao, provided brief, obscure solutions to solely a handful of questions as he addressed reporters for simply four-and-a-half minutes.
Simeone has come beneath scrutiny after Atletico drew two of their opening three matches, with a colorless goalless stalemate towards promoted Espanyol already leaving them 4 factors adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Through the latter, the Argentine substituted Julian Alvarez and Samuel Lino at half-time, whereas he changed striker Alexander Sorloth for defender Reinildo afterward along with his facet nonetheless searching for the breakthrough that by no means arrived.
Atleti loved a powerful switch window with the signings of Alvarez, Sorloth, Conor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand, however have struggled for consistency so far.
When requested in regards to the excessive expectations surrounding his squad and their goals for this season, Simeone informed reporters: “Sport by recreation. Since I arrived right here 12 years in the past, we attempt to compete in all competitions as finest as we will.”
On dealing with reigning Copa del Rey winners Athletic Bilbao, who defeated his facet 3-0 within the semi-finals of final season’s competitors, he added: “Each time we play in Bilbao, we all know how troublesome it’s.
“They’re a powerful rival at house, with their followers behind them. They’re having fun with their finest years and are the cup winners.
“We predict a troublesome match and that we’ve to take it to the place we wish it to be.”
Sábado de Atletipic.twitter.com/vmgs0kzAuD
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 31, 2024
