Simeone: Forward and never back

Diego Simeone claims that he has no reserves at Atletico Madrid and says continuing the team’s winning run hinges on ‘looking forward and never back’.

The Rojiblancos defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-0 this evening in their opening Europa League group match with a much-changed line-up, but one that the Coach believes was no weaker.

“I’ve never liked using regular starters and substitutes. They are all football players, representing a club, we want to be competitive and to have a team that always knows what is wanted,” declared El Cholo to post-match reporters, before reflecting on striker Diego Costa’s input tonight.

“Diego Costa is a very important for the entire footballing year. We have Adrian, Raul Garcia, Diego, Falcao – who wasn’t here…

“They are outstanding players and we need to understand this as a team, that they are playing for each other. We have to be prepared.”

Atleti’s win makes it 14 consecutive victories in the competition stretching back to last year’s group stages.

“I am very happy, but mainly because there were kids playing their first 90 minutes here and they are still being trained on how to play.

“We have commitment, humility and we want to work as a team. This is what gave us the chance of doing an important job.

“I do not know what game was expected, but we played a very strong first half that was very specific. We were very clear about what we wanted from our preparation and now we have to keep looking forward and never back, in what will be achieved.”

Tags Diego Costa Hapoel Tel Aviv Simeone
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