Diego Simeone is backing Yannick Carrasco to be “whatever he wants to be” after the winger’s hat-trick in Atletico Madrid’s 7-1 mauling of Granada on Saturday.
Carrasco got Atleti back into the game with a brace on the cusp of half-time, before netting a third just after an hour, as Los Colchoneros recorded the biggest La Liga win of the season to stay top of the pile.
“I’m very happy for him,” the Coach said after the match.
“It’s been a daily struggle for him to be what he was in this match. He’s a very complete player, with very good scope for growth.
“He can be whatever he wants to be, he listens, has goals in him and is brimming [with quality].
“It went through my head, how many young lads I saw in the stands. Many have the talent but not passion and ambition.
“I told the players to transmit passion and ambition to these young lads. It’s taken us four-and-a-half years for this growth.
“The match started badly, they competed well but their goal woke us up. The game changed from Correa’s flank.
“Then came the draw and 2-1 with a little luck, and the second half was very good.
“We penetrated [Granada] very well with Correa and Carrasco around the back of their midfielders, while Gabi and Koke held their positions. We knew the chances would come, even when trailing.
“Koke? In recent games, we’ve played with two flying wingers. Koke gives us this option.
“Gaitan’s entrance also made us happy. He showed what he could do in the minutes he played.
“We try to convey passion and ambition. We have talent, but passion and ambition is born within them.
“The best thing I saw was the answer from everyone. They played minutes of quality, not quantity.
“The essence of the team never changes, that Correa has three yellow cards, the work done by the team …
“The results help us and we’re beginning to find what we’re looking for.”
