Simeone not concerned by Atleti exits

Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone believes it should have been expected that the club would lose some big names this summer.

The likes of Diego Costa, David Villa and Filipe Luis have left Vicente Calderon after winning the title, while Thibaut Courtois was recalled by Chelsea – joining up with Costa and Villa.

Speaking at a Press conference ahead of Atletico’s game against Galatasaray, played in honour of the 301 killed in a mining accident in May, Simeone insisted he wasn’t worried by the turnover in his squad.

He did however suggest that Atletico weren’t competing with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but more the Champions League qualification contenders in La Liga.

“Many were on loan and others paid the buyout clause,” Simeone said, according to Marca.

“When a team is doing as well as Atletico last year, it’s normal the most economically powerful teams can come and look for some players.

“Many players have been retained. The club made a great effort to sustain this new stage, because it is new, with many parts.

“We have to think for a bit, thinking about competing with Sevilla and Valencia, which is a little our line today.

“A little finishing will form the group and when we do that we will have clear objectives.”

Simeone confirmed Mario Mandzukic would be involved but couldn’t give a timeframe on the return of Jan Oblak, the goalkeeper signed from Benfica who is struggling with a back injury.

“It’s [Mandzukic’s] second game with us. He has already played against Numancia and hopefully he can slowly begin to engage in the best way the team needs, and hopefully we can have a good attack throughout the League,” Simeone said.

“[Oblak] is a question for the medical department. Dr. Villalon [Atletico’s head of medical services] will surely inform us about it, and that’s who he’s working with.”

Simeone also revealed he would be open to working in Turkey in the future, as he feels in-tune with the rhythm of the country.

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