Atletico Madrid’s Juanfran never believed Diego Simeone would leave Atletico Madrid and explains the differences in Spain’s tactics.
Juanfran has spoken to AS and as well as insisting he would take a penalty in the Euro 2016 Final despite missing in the Champions League, touched on the speculation regarding Simeone’s Vicente Calderon future.
“I never saw Cholo leaving. I was convinced he was going to continue because he is our captain and wants to keep doing important things with Atletico. He’s ambitious. He’s a winner and is never going to give up. I was sure he would stay with us,” Juanfran revealed.
“Sometimes comments can mean something and I think [what Simeone said after the Champions League Final] meant something to him, to us. He addressed himself and people saying things had not gone well, worried about the situation, but we know we will come back stronger.
“It’s normal that the fans were worried. It’s like a player who after many years says something and they’d also be worried, but it’s normal.”
Juanfran is first-choice right-back for club and country and was asked about the difference in representing Los Rojiblancos and La Roja.
“It’s different in many ways. Atleti have a different way of playing, but I adapt well to the national team and try to give my best. If I play the same game for the national team as for Atleti then I’m sure it’ll go well,” he began.
“I enjoy playing for both, each in their own way. We don’t have as much possession and we defend more with Atleti, but I feel comfortable defending and seeing that the opponent doesn’t get the chance to score.
“In the national team I have the chance to attack a little more and I feel comfortable because I can also go inside wanting to attack and get involved in attacking actions. Cholo and Vicente del Bosque want me to be a full-back and a winger and in that respect the game is the same for the national team and Atletico.”
