Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid rely on Antoine Griezmann in the same way Barcelona rely on Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Griezmann is Atletico’s leading scorer this season and ahead of the game against Real Sociedad, his former club, Cholo admitted Los Colchoneros depend on the France international but argued they’re not alone in being reliant on one or two players.
“The dependence is the same as Barca with Messi, Suarez and Neymar, the same as Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo, the same as Aritz Aduriz with Athletic Bilbao, with Sevilla and Kevin Gameiro,” Simeone argued, AS reports.
“They are important players and us Coaches focus on that they keep getting better. It’s the team that matters.”
The visit of La Real is Atletico’s first game since the Madrid derby win and Simeone was asked if there’s a danger of it being a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show.
“I think our players know what’s important isn’t the shirt of the opponent, but wearing the shirt of Atletico,” he replied.
“Friendly, Copa del Rey, Supercopa, League, Champions League…we play with the same enthusiasm.
“We won [for the third time] at Santiago Bernabeu with hard work and effort. Everything is earned with teamwork. We took it naturally, as if it was any other field.”
