Diego Simeone has named Diego Godin and Koke as the two Atletico Madrid players who aren’t for sale, suggesting anyone else can leave for the right price.
Cholo is in his native Argentina and as well as sharing his views on Real Madrid in an interview with Radio Marca, ran the rule over Atletico, both the season just finished and the one to come.
“We had to face the season without [Thibaut] Courtois, [Diego] Ribas, [Jose] Sosa, [David] Villa, [Diego] Costa, Filipe [Luis]…That won’t happen this year,” he vowed.
“I hope to maintain stability and continue to develop. If we improve in some positions we will compete as we have these last four years.
“The goal is to compete, to be third and to work for the club. We’ve put in a great deal of effort. We’re looking for footballers and especially for men and when everyone raises arms together, something important happens.
“After changing 10 players we were able to compete in the League, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and surpass the Europa League champions and a powerful Valencia.”
Simeone was questioned about the future of Mario Mandzukic in particular and his squad in general, and revealed who he would keep above all else.
“The club works in regards to comings and goings. We are pleased with Mandzukic. Along with [Antoine] Griezmann, they formed a very good pairing in attack,” he said of the striker strongly linked with a move from Vicente Calderon.
“Un-transferable? Koke, [Diego] Godin and not many more. You’ve asked me about Mandzukic and I repeat, he held the attack together when Griezmann didn’t start well.
“Koke has the ability, the vision between the lines, not to mention his part in the attack. He can play in the centre, or where he always has, according to the variations.
“We have Saul [Niguez], Arda [Turan], Raul [Garcia], Oliver [Torres]…we need to reinforce where we believe the team can improve.
“Oliver is an important player, who has had a good season at Porto. We expect from him. Koke can play inside and Oliver can be Koke on the wing.
“Filipe? More of the same. We will always look for players who understand that it’s not enough to play well but we need teamwork and to compete, to always give the maximum.
“I expect a lot from everyone, first of all myself. Requiring more makes us better. Fernando Torres has to improve. We want to compete with the last two winners of the Champions League…”
