‘Move on from the derby’

Sergio Asenjo has looked to play down a number of talking points from the Madrid derby, asking reporters to move on.

The back-up goalkeeper was asked of Diego Costa and Sergio Ramos’ clash in the weekend’s match, of Thibaut Courtois’ concession from a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick and of assistant Coach Mono Burgos’ reported outburst at Jose Mourinho.

“Diego is very annoying to the opposing defences. Should he and Ramos be sanctioned? It is not for me to say. The League have the images and it is their problem, as in the case with Mono.

“Diego causes nervousness amongst defenders, but we should not carry on talking about the derby, we have to look forward,” prompted the goalkeeper, before being taken to task on a few other post-derby talking points.

“Mono’s outburst at the Madrid bench? If we put cameras on the bench for every game we would be constantly talking about these things. Things in the game should be given more importance.

“Courtois’ performance? These are complicated actions against one of the best free-kick takers in the world [Ronaldo]. Some argue without having ever been in goal in their life.

“Courtois did what he could do for that first goal, it was a difficult shot. Let’s not talk about it after the game.

“It was a game that was at the ground of the League champions. But, the fans should be proud of our team for the good start to the season that has been achieved.”

Asenjo was there to discuss Atleti’s final group stage match this midweek of the Europa League, away to Viktoria Plzen.

“It will be cold and they will be a tough opponent, but it is important to win to ensure we avoid meeting any of the teams to drop out of the Champions League in the next round.”

Tags Asenjo Diego Costa Madrid derby Ramos
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