Juanfran has spoken of the extent of the faith in Diego Simeone possessed by the Atletico Madrid squad.
The full-back is part of the Spain squad to play Belarus and Germany but spoke to AS about club matters, as well as his individual situation.
“I am very positive and I always try to improve. Mostly I’m a hard worker, which was instilled in me in childhood.
“It all comes from my father, because when I wasn’t playing he was worried about me and told me I would become a major player with Atletico.
“After he died is when things started to go right. I wish he had seen this time.”
Regarding Cholo, Juanfran explained why the results have flowed under the Argentine’s leadership, crediting Simeone’s ability to get the best out of the players.
“Simeone has managed to get the best of us. He thinks a lot about football and tells us that if we do what he says, we’ll win,” he revealed.
“We believe it with our eyes closed. That’s what’s most important between a player and the Coach. He transmits the values and makes you realise you can beat anyone.
“Every year we evolve. When we have the ball we play a bit more, but we’re combative. We’re a little more like when we had Radamel Falcao.
“I think this year will be equal to or better than last.
“I am very comfortable at full-back. It was hard but now I’m playing, people don’t remember I went a year when I didn’t. Gregorio Manzano gave me the chance.”
Juanfran also commended Koke for his development with club and country and admitted he hadn’t watched the Champions League final, and didn’t plan to until he could put it right.
“Koke is my little brother. He is a great player. When I came to Atletico he was training with the first team and started to get minutes,” Juanfran recalled.
“I’ve seen him grow. He is the present and the future of Atletico and the national team.
“The Champions League final? I haven’t seen it and I’d rather not. Not until I win a Champions League final with Atletico.”
