Simeone: Gaitan needs more minutes

Diego Simeone believes Nicolas Gaitan needs more minutes on the pitch for Atletico Madrid to prove his worth to the club.

The Argentine has started only 12 La Liga games since arriving at Atleti from Benfica in the summer of 2016, but is set to be given a starting place for their Copa del Rey clash with Elche on Wednesday.

“He has not had the opportunity to play for six or seven matches in a row,” Simeone told his pre-match press conference.

“His natural position is on the left of attack but it is hard with Carrasco occupying that position – I have tried to play him on the right but it has not worked as we had hoped.

“He feels most comfortable in that position and it is my responsibility to give him more minutes so the fault is mine.

“We are always looking at our B team and when there are opportunities, they will be integrated into our first team.

“It is an important game for Saul (returning to his former club) but generally we will rest players and allow others to show their worth.”

Tags Diego Simeone Nicolas Gaitan
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