Diego Simeone says fans of Atletico Madrid and other clubs ‘see themselves reflected’ in his team and their attempts to dethrone Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Los Colchoneros start 2014 this weekend away to Malaga sitting joint top of La Liga with Barcelona on goal difference, and five points ahead of Real Madrid.
This comes amid continued debate on the competitiveness of the League, which Marca say has Spanish Football Federation President Angel Maria Villar considering two options to change the format of La Liga.
One was reportedly to end the season with title play-offs, as is done in Mexico, whilst the other was to hold an opening and closing tournament, as they do in Argentina. The latter format in particular was put today to Simeone, who has more than once labelled La Liga as ‘boring’.
“With the numbers in this League yes it would be more competitive,” El Cholo has responded.
“For the last 10 years, no. Changing the calendar does not solve the problem, which is the economic conditions of each team.
“Maybe it was an incorrect assessment to say that the League is boring, but it is true that there are not the same possibilities.
“Today when a fan sees Atletico they see reflected in this team their sense of being in the situation that we are in. I hope that they have a good idea for things to be more competitive.
“Given the differences in numbers in the League, many people may feel reflected in us for the effort, commitment. Other fans of other teams would like to be in our position.
“We remain only humble and committed to continue. Fans of Osasuna, Villarreal, they are reflected in us to have these possibilities.”
Simeone also commented on Atleti’s capture this week of Jose Sosa from Metalist.
“Faced with the possibility of an arrival, there may be a player leaving and that will be confirmed in due course.
“I always wanted to have Sosa back, since our time at Estudiantes. He has great dynamic. He can also play as a second striker.
“I know how he works and that he is the type of player that we need for now. He is an alternative to compete in a position that should be.”
The Coach also mused on weekend opponents Malaga and in particular their Coach, Bernd Schuster.
“He was an extraordinary player. And has my absolute admiration. I would have liked to have shared a field with a midfielder like that who shared all the features you want in a football player.
“At Malaga I see him as a logical choice after a coaching change and now I see a more aggressive team with danger on the wings and from set-plays.”
