Diego Simeone has said Atletico Madrid are fighting for third place this year as they can’t compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
AS have reported an interview given by Cholo to Gazzetta in which he insists he is being honest when he says a title challenge is out of the question for next season.
“I don’t like to lie to people and one thing is clear: We can’t compete with Madrid or Barcelona,” Simeone said.
“Our rivals are Sevilla, Valencia and Athletic and third is our objective. We’re a new team.
“Atletico are the champions but the players aren’t the same. We’re in a different League than Madrid or Barca.”
Simeone added that while his club has spent money, they’ve only done so to replace the players they have lost.
“The spending on arrivals is due to the players that have been sold,” he stressed.
“We are finishing the group. We have changed, especially in attack. I see it as a new beginning.
“Mandzukic, Jimenez and Griezmann are different from Costa, Villa and Adrian.
“The solid structure supporting the attack is maintained but we are looking for the style that best suits us. We must have patience.”
