Juanfran Torres has reflected on his hope that 2014 is even better for Atletico Madrid than 2013 was, as he reflects on the team’s rise in recent months.
Under Diego Simeone, Atleti end the calendar year joint top of La Liga with Barcelona and safely into the Champions League Last 16.
For their Spanish international full-back, the success they have had in 2013, which also includes a third place finish in 2012-13 and the Copa del Rey win against Real Madrid, has fans dreaming of what might be.
“In Spanish football in general we have created a dream and a desire amongst fans that we can fight with Madrid and Barcelona with their budgets and their workforce,” Juanfran has commented to AS today.
“Hopefully, for the sake of Spanish football, it is not only Atleti that can do this kind of thing, that there are more teams fighting up there with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“And for that we must continue along the same line. I can only thank El Cholo for these two years he has been with us.
“Is Diego Simeone the architect behind our success? We trust our Coach, because he knows how to get the best out of each of us.
“I think we have a great team, whilst we are committed and we must follow the same path, which is to run in every match the same or more than our opponent. We train differently depending on the opponent, but always like it is a final.
“The Coach says that it costs a lot to gain prestige, but takes very little to lose it. We note that we have now gained respect in every field.
“The Calderon’s atmosphere against Levante this weekend? We have given everything, there was a great atmosphere and that allowed us to end the year on top of the standings. The fans must be very proud.
“It is early to ask [about 2014], but I am sure that if I say something then it is from the heart, that 2014 will be a better year than 2013 for all Atletico. We are going to continue as we are or get better.”