Diego Simeone has hailed Atletico Madrid’s development as “the most redeemable facet of our season” ahead of Saturday’s curtain call against Celta Vigo.
The likes of Jose Maria Gimenez, Lucas Hernandez, Saul Niguez and Angel Correa have established themselves as key members of Atleti’s first team this term as the side are destined for a top-three finish in La Liga and will contest the Champions League final for the second time in three years.
“It’s important to finish the season as best as possible,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“We’re in a situation where we can still finish higher [in the table] and win to achieve second best points tally in the club’s history, and what interests us most is competing in light of what’s to come.
“It’s for the best that we’re playing against Celta, who have managed to survive complicated situations, such as when Nolito was out and losing Augusto [Fernandez], who was a very important player for them.
“There won’t be any more games before the Champions League final [after this one], but we’ll look to work in the best way possible.
“It’s a match of evaluations for the League, not the season, because our season ends on [May] 28, but it’s clear that in the League we’ve left a good mark.
“Finishing the season in the best way possible would put us in a very good position.
“This group have developed in the best way possible. The young lads have grown up and that bodes well for the future. It’s the most redeemable facet of our season.
“[On Fernando Torres’ renewal], it’s within reach and when something happens, everyone will know about it.
“[On the ticket allocation for the CL final], it would’ve been better if there were more fans [who could go], but it’s a question for UEFA, not me.
“[Jan] Oblak will play [against Celta]. He’s one of the most important goalkeepers in the world.
“[On revenge against Celta in the Copa del Rey], I’m not looking at it in that manner.
“The cup was a different game and invites different results.
“Celta want to be fifth in the League and will be opponents of great intensity and enthusiasm to win. We want to show liveliness and compete.
“We have a Champions League fina coming up, and the best way to prepare for it is to continue competing.”
