Diego Simeone admits “I worry about everything” at Atletico Madrid after reflecting on their inconsistent season.
Atleti drew 1-1 with lowly Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday, which – coupled with Real Sociedad’s 3-2 win at Real Betis – leaves Los Colchoneros outside the Champions League places in La Liga.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s visit of Valencia, Simeone blamed his side’s disappointing form on “situations” out of his control and suggested the Press had been unfair its coverage of the club.
“Real Sociedad? We’re focused on the day-to-day, and as of now we’re in fifth position because Real Sociedad won,” began the Coach.
“We have to do things in the best way possible in order to achieve the objectives that we’ve set ourselves.
“I worry about everything, when we play well and don’t win … I always worry.
“Difficulties this season? Last season, to lose the [CL] final on penalties wasn’t easy. The start of this season with Augusto’s injury wasn’t easy, then it wasn’t possible for Tiago to recover as we wanted, plus there was Oblak's injury…
“We’ve found it difficult to gain consistency, so this would be the most beautiful season of all because if we reach our objective with all the difficulties we’ve had, it’d be great.
“It would be great to finish this season well because it would be tremendously important.
“Objectives? They’re not the same every season. After Lisbon and having finished third in the League, we only secured it against Granada, and neither that was easy.
“This season, we have different players, younger players and all that takes a while [to establish].
“We live with huge demands placed on ourselves, but the reality is that this season has been difficult due to many situations arising, and it would be wonderful if we can compete like we did before.
“Playing at the Calderon? The League has 13 games remaining and we have a small margin for error.
“Valencia are doing well and have recovered with the arrivals of Zaza and Orellana, who have given them more variations.
“I like [Carlos] Soler, he’s brave, a strong runner, young and someone that has come into their midfield. Our opponents are doing well and require us to also do well.
“Criticism? We should get the chance to personally chat with you [reporters] to explain everything. The essence of who we are has never been lost, we’ve always competed in a similar way.
“It’s normal for players and their characteristics to change, but we’ve always been in the quarter-finals, in the Champions League final, third place …
“As long as the criticism doesn’t have bad intentions and is football-related, it’s welcome.”
