Diego Simeone has defended Juanfran Torres from criticism received after France’s draw with Spain and looked ahead to Real Sociedad.
The Atletico Madrid Coach spoke up for his full-back, after his mistake in the build-up to France’s late equaliser last night against Spain was picked out for criticism by the media.
“Juanfran was great. He prevented a goal five minutes before France did equalise,” pointed out the Argentine to today’s Press conference.
“Such situations can happen, but you have to see the play that he prevented for Spain too.”
The international break has seen Arda Turan return with a sprained ankle that still needs assessing.
“In principle our doctor is talking to the Turkish staff and tomorrow we will see how the player is. These are international players and this can happen. We need to work to recover him as soon as possible.”
It almost certainly rules the attacker out of Atleti’s return to League action, which comes this Sunday evening away to Real Sociedad.
“La Real are playing very well, especially at home. And they are dangerous from set pieces. Griezmann and Vela can unbalance teams and Illarramendi works well in between them.
“This is going to be a tough game and very difficult, but important. We will have to go their with respect to a rival with homegrown talent.
“I’m trying not to look forward, though, I look day to day. We are required to be competitive as a club. The word ‘relaxed’ is one that I do not like, I like a friendly team that is competitive, as it has to be.”
Once again the Coach was asked for his opinion on Radamel Falcao’s current form. The striker netted twice for Colombia at the end of last week in their World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.
“Everything that is happening to him is because he has looked for it. He has worked for the form that he is enjoying now. Hopefully he can maintain it. His best virtue is his desire. Now he is the best No 9 in the world.
“What do I think of Miguel Angel Gil Marin’s statements on a possible sale? The President has his opinion and we just have to think about Real Sociedad.”
The international break also brought a personal highlight for El Cholo, as his son Gio played and scored for the Argentine Under-20 team against Chile.
“It is a joy for me as a father. In addition I got to see my kids in Argentina. The joy with them compensated for the 12-hour trip. We were excited when he entered the field and he scored. He has much growing to do, but he wants to progress and does listen.”
