Simeone calls for concentration

Diego Simeone has asked Atletico Madrid to focus on the task of beating Levante and not one of the many other issues around the club.

Atletico Madrid can go six points clear at the top of the table today with victory over Les Granotes, only days after they reached the Champions League final with a stunning win over Chelsea.

But speculation has been strong that Diego Costa is bound for the beaten Blues, while the prospect of a Champions League final Madrid derby with Real Madrid is looming on the horizon.

AS reports however that Simeone stressed the importance of concentrating on one thing at a time, particularly as he rates Levante as a difficult opponent.

“Levante will be very difficult. We struggled in the first game and we imagine another game of this nature,” Simeone said at a Press conference.

“They’ll have great intensity and will be very competitive, as a Levante team always is. We require a lot.

“It’s important and logical that after a full season the players don’t get off the [game by game] line and it’s still maintained today.

“We haven’t won anything. Reality always brings me back to what matters, the League. “

Simeone was asked directly about the Costa-to-Chelsea rumour and the Coach side-stepped the issue, instead returning to the importance of focus.

“It’s an important game and we need the tension and concentration of everyone. It’s logical and normal that players are wanted by powerful teams. That makes me happy,” he replied.

“Concentration comes from not getting out of our line, being strong psychologically and focusing on how to stay on the right track.

“It’s not easy, because all around us we are called out of this line. But it should be interpreted as Levante, Levante and, repeat again, Levante.”

There’s expected to be a huge travelling support for the match at Ciutat de Valencia, with Cholo welcoming the away support.

“It would be fantastic. Hopefully people can interpret the status of the League and I encourage everyone to support us, and they are involved,” the Coach said.

“Hopefully there are a lot of people from Atletico Madrid.”

Tags Diego Simeone
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