Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo has said his side had the support of the whole country in winning the title last season.
Cerezo appeared on Romanian television and looked back on last year, as well as what led to the club’s success, and predicted a difficult task in living up to the standards set.
“It was a very good season for Atletico. I’d say great, it just missed the icing of the Champions League final, which was half a minute away in Lisbon,” he reflected, according to Marca.
“It wasn’t our best game as a game but we learned a lot by suffering.
“The secret of success was regularity. There can’t be anyone who doesn’t recognise Atletico as the best in the League last season.
“The credit goes to all the players, from first to last, a fantastic and very balanced team. They are the ones who win and lose games.
“And Diego Simeone, of course, who is the one that leads them, picks them and makes them heroes.
“I was fortunate to meet Cholo in three stages. I have a very good relationship with him and he’s part of our family.
“It took him five minutes to accept the job of Coach of Atletico.
“The turning point was the Cup final at Santiago Bernabeu. After so many years without winning against Madrid we realised we could win any game against any opponent.
“It gave us a lot of confidence. And so the following season, game by game, to win the League.
“All Spain was glad Atletico won the title. It will be very hard to meet or exceed a season like this, but we’ll try.”