Diego Simeone has taken encouragement from Atletico Madrid’s continued work in renewing the contracts of players, with the latest Arda Turan.
The Turkish playmaker was confirmed on Thursday as having extended by two years until June 2017, to follow on from similar deals signed by Juanfran Torres, Javier Manquillo, Oliver Torres and Koke Resurreccion.
“It is huge news. He is an important player in this group,” Simeone reflected when asked of Arda’s deal.
“It makes me happy that the club are renewing players who have helped the team to grow. The club is valuing and sustaining important players.
“I am pleased and proud that young players and important players are renewing and staying in this place. We continue to improve and that is important.”
Simeone was asked if, when he joined in December 2011, that they would be joint top of the table at the start of this season and in the Champions League.
“When you begin it is always whilst hoping for the best. I’m always optimistic. Then work situations make you go one way or another.
“As for Madrid and Barca, the economic power that they have has them in another League. They can resolve games much faster.
“It is hard for us. We have to work a lot. We cannot forget Athletic Bilbao. Nobody talks about them and they are there too. They’ve only lost at the Bernabeu.”
It was put to El Cholo that the team are even more confident now than they were last season.
“I do not think so, I think the growth is more over the last year and a half. It is based on confidence, knowledge, the renewals, the stability…
“But if we do not win at Valladolid then these nice words are useless. Ebert, Guerra, Oscar…they have important people from midfield forward, this is going to be a tough match.
“Have Valladolid changed style? They are in a time of change. From Djukic’s reign to now. They play more direct, longer diagonal passes. They play together, and in the spaces thanks to the speed of Guerra and Oscar.”
