Cholo praises Atleti squad depth

Diego Simeone offered praise to the Atletico Madrid squad players who featured in the win over Eibar, picking out Cani, Saul Niguez and Jesus Gamez.

The champions took a 3-1 victory from a sodden Ipurua, Antoine Griezmann opening the scoring and Mario Mandzukic claiming a brace, Federico Piovaccari on target for the hosts.

“We played a very good match from the start. We wanted to attack through Griezmann on the good side of the pitch and avoid the areas where the ball wasn’t moving,” Cholo said at a Press conference, referencing the rain-soaked conditions.

“They tried to get into the game but [Miguel Angel] Moya’s good save prevented that.

“It was a difficult pitch and it wasn’t easy to play on. We knew what we wanted and it went well. Here you need to pay a lot of attention.

“I’m pleased by the response of those who don’t play very much – Saul, Gamez and Cani.”

Simeone added that he leaves Eibar with a good impression of the club and commended the goal scorers for their contributions.

“We have a lot of respect for Eibar. They have some interesting players in the wide positions, Capa, Saul [Berjon]. It was a very fast game,” he remarked.

“It would be unfair to give Griezmann a mark for everything he has done, which we appreciate. Here, besides talent, you have to put in effort to compete against the best.

“That must have been one of Mandzukic’s best games for Atletico. There was quality, effort, goals. He was let loose.”

Tags Cani Diego Simeone Jesus Gamez Saul Niguez
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