Atletico Madrid captain Gabi has predicted a difficult season for the champions, but warns their intention is to challenge once more.
Los Colchoneros pipped Barcelona to the title last year and reached the Champions League final, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.
Atletico have lost the likes of Diego Costa and Filipe Luis but Gabi has told a Press conference that he hopes the side can fight it out at the top again.
“It’s too early to say. What we achieved last season will raise the performance of the players and the aims of the team,” AS reports the midfielder as saying.
“You have to compete with the best but its increasingly difficult because our rivals have reinforced well. But our enthusiasm is still to be on top.
“I see every day more encouragement and people can be as happy as last season. We face a beautiful season.
“I’ll follow the line of the team. Every day I feel better and I can contribute more to both the group and on the pitch.”
Gabi also previewed the Supercopa, which is set for mid-August against Copa del Rey winners Real Madrid, suggesting that the fixture mattered little since Madrid won the Champions League final.
He denied there was a need for revenge from the Atletico players, reminding those present that they are the champions after all.
“Revenge is important for those that don’t have a title,” he replied.
“The Champions League final has passed .There is no spirit of revenge.”
