After Atlético Madrid’s 1-3 away defeat to Barcelona, Diego Simeone analyzed the loss in an interview.
How do you assess the game?
“We started well, but the opponents hurt us with central passes. The second half was the opposite: they had a slight edge at the start, but after 20 minutes, we began to take control. We couldn’t complete the comeback, but I’m satisfied with the team’s performance. We knew they have great technical quality and would cause chaos through the middle – they did that well today.”
What did you say to the players at halftime?
“We wanted to replicate the game plan from the Inter Milan match: stop their central passes, force them to attack down the flanks, and thus create difficulties for them. We emphasized this at halftime: if we let them attack through the middle, they’ll play well. I liked the team’s attitude in the final stages – no fear, actively looking for chances. Against Barcelona, you have to run a lot, and it’s hard to win the ball back from them.”
You’ve always said you really like Raphinha.
“I adore him. No matter where you put him, he performs brilliantly and scores wonderful goals. I don’t understand why he hasn’t won the Ballon d’Or – I would vote for him.”
How did Baena perform before his injury?
“He’s a unique player, progressing very quickly. He has personality and courage, and can excel in any position.”
Cardoso also got injured after starting.
“It’s a shame he got injured early in the game – it disrupted our substitution plans, which we intended to make later.”
What expectations do you have for Álvarez?
“We always have high expectations for him; he’s one of the most important players in our team. He’ll deliver in the next game or thereafter.”
How do you rate Barrios’ performance?
“Exceptional. He’s a young, dynamic player who can play both in midfield and as an inside forward. We have to take good care of him – he’s one of the key players in our midfield.”
How do you feel leaving here?
“I’m very calm and satisfied with the team’s performance. This is a good experience for us, helping us improve. We have another tough game ahead.”
Your team’s seven-match winning streak has been broken.
“I don’t pay much attention to winning streaks; I care more about today’s game. I’m satisfied with the team’s performance – we competed against a very good side. We started with determination, but they gradually found ways to hurt us with central passes. We could have defended better, but their transitional attacks through the middle were excellent.”
“In the second half, they started better, but we quickly took control again, creating more scoring chances, just lacking a bit of decisiveness. In the end, we lost 3-1 – the third goal was somewhat against the run of play, but it happened. I leave here with many positive things and look forward to the future.”
Oblak said the team lacks goals.
“My comment explains the question you just asked – they won the game, and that’s justified.”
Do you think the Barrios-Baena partnership is a positive aspect?
“When a team loses, there are different ways to face it. Today the team worked hard; against a very good side, we gave our all. To win any competition, you’ll always encounter teams like this.”
The stats seem to favor Barcelona – do you think that’s unfair?
“I like the team’s performance and I’m calm because the lads gave their best. They applied pressure and tried to launch attacks from the front multiple times in the game. I’m satisfied with that. Last year we won 2-1 here, but they should have won 5-1 – that’s football. Today I think we deserved a better result, but it didn’t happen – that’s part of the game too.”
Why is Álvarez in this form? Is it because the team isn’t finding him, or is it a physical issue?
“Since he joined, he’s been performing exceptionally well, but he’s human too – everyone has a bad day. It happens to anyone; you have bad days at work, and so does he.”
How did Barcelona’s quick reactions and high press affect your game plan?
“It was a great game. We started well, but they quickly equalized through effective attacking transitions. Then they took the lead before halftime, and we also had a chance to change the game with the red card incident – it was an entertaining match.”
