Diego Simeone refused to criticise the referee and commented on his pride at Atletico Madrid, despite losing the Supercopa de Espana to Barcelona.
Atleti played out a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou in Wednesday’s second leg, to lose the title on the away goals rule thanks to last week’s 1-1 result in the capital.
Los Colchoneros picked up late red cards for Filipe Luis and Arda Turan, but their Coach refused to blame the officiating.
“In these games there are always comings together and it is normal,” reflected Simeone, in first considering the number of refereeing interventions during the game.
“In the same way that you criticise the players and Coaches, I imagine that the referee will face a general criticism. We can all make mistakes and we must continue to grow.
“This trophy does not guarantee anything, but there is a great and growing commitment from this team and that I am very proud of.
“The game was how we imagined it would be, in both legs. They have been playing well for years and we continue to grow, with pride and knowing what we have to do.
“We had more chances, but could not win in the end. We had two clear chances in the first half and in these games you have to take them. Valdes was great.”
Simeone has so far this term been talking of the continued dominance the League faces from Barca and Real Madrid.
“The League will still be between Barca and Real Madrid for several years due to their economic strength. That rules us out.
“In this type of final, anything is possible, but I do not believe so in the League. They both have to fail and that’s very difficult.”
