Diego Simeone has admitted that he feels “fully responsible” for Jackson Martinez’s departure from Atletico Madrid.
The Colombian, a €35m arrival from Porto last summer, scored just three goals in 22 appearances for Los Colchoneros, before he was sold to Chinese club Guanzghou Evergrande in a deal worth a further €7m, and his former Coach was disappointed he could not get the best out of him.
“Jackson worked with enthusiasm and excitement, but after we spoke, we decided a move was best for both parties,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s encounter with Eibar in La Liga.
“He made an effort to engage and compete. Now we wish him well and hopefully he does well [in China].
“When a player doesn’t respond [to my methods], I’m fully responsible.
“He didn’t have the luck or chance to give his best here, so obviously I feel responsible.
“It’s a failure of mine that Jackson is no longer here. It’s a part of football, but I won’t change my approach.
“There are different situations that you feel and perceive as you work. What makes me the happiest is how we’ve responded to this situation.
“We spoke with respect and sincerity before we went our separare ways, and I hope he rediscovers his form when he plays again.
“No [on another striker coming in]. I was convinced from Sunday night that if Jackson left, we’d stick with [Angel] Correa, [Fernando] Torres and [Antoine] Griezmann and [Luciano] Vietto.”
