Cholo asks for more from Arda

Diego Simeone has called for Arda Turan to dig deeper and find more to contribute to the Atletico Madrid cause, and discussed his own future at the club.

Simeone has been interviewed by AS and as well as confirming interest in Carlos Tevez and Luciano Vietto, spoke about his current players.

“It’s not normal [to maintain the performances of the last few years],” he said.

“Not everyone can maintain the same intensity from one season to another. I think Arda has done through playing regularly. But it’s very difficult to repeat last season.

“I don’t know anyone who has done it. That demand leads means the decline is felt. Arda at his best is a very important player for us.

“We need more goals and he knows that better than anyone. He knows. We asked him for more and he knows it.

“I have great enthusiasm for the coming season. We’ll have a team with more options. This season was complicated but we beat Real Madrid in the Super Cup in the season opener. And we met the aim of the club, to finish third in a League where we compete with the Champions League winner and a semi-finalist.

“Whoever joins will know it’s not enough to play well. If you’re thinking you can come here and just be talented, then don’t bother.

“You know me, I live under passion, positive energy and everything that generates excitement in going forward. I value the project, a magnificent work for three years.

“I understand contracts are linked to results. I need to have hope, and this year excites me for the change in the team’s game.

“I see Koke playing like Juan Veron. I played with Veron and I know what features make the team play. He sees things faster than others. It’s a position Koke knows.

“Filipe Luis? We know him, we like him. He’s given us a lot. I hope he comes back.

“I wish one day I could Coach Argentina. But when that opportunity comes I want to be prepared, to be older. I enjoy working every day, with this long-term project, but you never know because it is conditioned by results.”

Tags Arda Turan Argentina Diego Simeone Koke
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