Diego Simeone hailed his Atletico Madrid players for making “a huge effort defensively” during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Granada in La Liga.
Goals from Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann fired Los Colchoneros to a sixth straight victory and moved them to within two points of League leaders Barcelona, and the Coach believes his side’s willingness to make sacrifices has been key to their upturn in form.
“We had a complete game and played with the same security that the squad had displayed in recent games,” he said after the game.
“We struggled to find the second goal, which prompted Granada to put pressure on us, but Oliver [Torres] and Thomas [Partey] were good for the team.
“The whole team made a huge effort defensively, from our defenders to our forwards, and now we want to keep improving in this aspect.
“[On the first goal being dedicated to Tiago Mendes], it was a great gesture.
“He’s an extraordinary person and important player in our family.
“[Godin’s] work, perseverance and manner in which he approaches games like these makes him a special player.
“[Saul Niguez] did all the right things and I trust him because he’s a great player.
“There’s no better way to look at the future than to live for the present.
“It’s a mindset steeped in the club, from the kit men to our matchday attendants.”
