Diego Simeone has rejected the notion that he might have been affected by criticism received this week for a midweek mistake.
The Coach sent goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo up for a last-minute Atletico Madrid corner in their first leg Europa League Round of 32 clash at home to Rubin Kazan.
The move backfired as the Russians broke from the corner to score a second away goal and record a 2-0 first leg advantage.
“I do not feel hassled for the talk of this decision. I respect the criticisms,” El Cholo told reporters today when asked of the reaction to the mistake.
“I make decisions accordingly and I accept the consequences, criticism and opinion. Each can express their own.
“There is a chance that I can go wrong and when this happens the criticism is correct. And I assume that I am exposed. Now we have try and turn around the tie in Russia.”
Simeone takes his team on the road this weekend to Real Valladolid, facing further questions about the team’s poor away form of late.
“Away from home we are sixth in the League. We can improve it but we are not that bad. Expect in the games against Madrid and Barca, we have always had victory within our reach.
“The return to training today of Diego Costa is good. We may have missed his enthusiasm, for his clarity, he is contagious. He is feared by opponents and a weapon for us.
“Hopefully he is calm and can play well against a stylish Valladolid, who take possession and play well on the wings.”
