Juanfran Torres has reflected today on why Atletico Madrid are doing so well this term and believes it is form that can be maintained through the season.
Atleti are currently unbeaten this season and go into their clash with Malaga this evening aware that results could go in their favour and see them top the table by the end of the day.
Talking to El Pais, the converted full-back reflected on why the team are where they are at the moment, and on the impact Diego Simeone has had.
“It is because of a well defined identity – foresight, strength, work and ambition,” he enthused in an interview published today.
“This is what the Coach conveys every day. He has a way of watching football that comes in handy for this team and this club. Everything happens for the respect we have and that is perfect for his ideas.
“We are a winning team. Simeone has passed on that gene to us. We are flexible and have definition, it depends a bit on the opponent, we are not set to go with a certain philosophy regardless of what we face.
“We think how we can play to hurt the opponent, one day retracting, the next having more possession. We plan very well for each match. Since we finished at Viktoria Plzen, El Cholo has started talking about Joaquin, Isco, Camacho, Saviola, Seba Fernandez and how to counter their handling of the ball.
“But beyond all that, this team knows how to compete, to go out and play from the first minute and look to the first attack, the first chance or the first corner.”
Juanfran was asked of Atleti’s chances of entering the title race this season.
“Rather than an alternative to Real Madrid and Barcelona, what we really want is to continue to see this team become competitive. This is because of its history having competed with the big boys.
“I think we will be up there all year, we have a great Coach, a great squad and the fans are on our side. There is no reason not to believe that this Atletico will be fighting all season for the top prizes.”
Focus this weekend is predominantly on El Clasico, which is being played just before Atleti’s meeting with Malaga.
“Many people have told me that they are looking forward to seeing our game and not the Clasico. We’re going to treat this like a final for the respect it deserves, for all that Malaga has done so far and how well they are playing.”
The Spain international was asked what he did last season to make his move from an offensive winger to a full-back so effective.
“I studied Alves, Ramos, Arbeloa, Pereira, Gamez… I looked at when they closed down opponents, how they performed in one-on-one situations, when they joined back with their centre-backs and more.
“These are the basics, I had to assimilate fast. Today I am not perfect, but I am working on that.”
