Toby Alderweireld has considered the disappointment in his Atletico Madrid debut being a defeat and acknowledges the competition for places that he faces.
The defender made his debut for Atleti in this weekend’s defeat at Espanyol, after a six-week wait since completing a summer transfer to the Vicente Calderon outfit.
“My feelings after the debut are not good. I’m annoyed because we lost, but I gave it everything that I could. I did the best that I knew how to,” considered Alderweireld this week.
“The wait to debut? I had been waiting a long time, but I was sure that it would come as the Coach told me I would have my chance if I worked hard and I have been.
“I know that every time I play I have to do my best, as it is very difficult to be a starter for Atleti.
“Simeone told me only to play as I had done throughout the previous season with Ajax and like I had a few days before with the national team. He also said that he believed in me.
“Everyone here knows that if we train well then we will have our opportunities. Now we have to take advantage of those.”
The Belgian mused on the defeat suffered at Cornella-El Prat.
“You cannot win them all and we know that. We did the best that we could and we had chances to draw or win the game.
“We have to continue on. Now we think towards three points in the Champions League, to forget the defeat against Espanyol.”
