Diego Simeone claims Atletico Madrid “play quicker and with much more panorama” with Koke in the middle ahead of Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Koke missed Atleti’s 4-2 win against Malaga in La Liga last weekend through suspension but returned on Tuesday as Los Colchoneros needed a last-minute goal to beat Rostov 2-1 and book their place in the Champions League last 16.
“La Real have been growing since the start of the season and play attacking football, committing many players forward,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“Their football is attractive and intense. Hopefully we can take the game where we can hurt them.
“Savic’s ban? He’s having a very good season, but I’ve always said that we have four top centre-backs.
“Jose’s [Gimenez] return makes us happy because he’s feeling better and better. I can use any of them for the good of the team.
“We seek to improve and grow as a team, in addition to focusing on what we can do to win the match against La Real.
“Sevilla-Barcelona? We’re focused on what we’re doing and La Real will demand the maximum from us. The other games don’t concern us.
“The Spain squad? I can’t comment on the decisions of another Coach. He’ll do what he thinks is right.
“Koke? He’ll possibly return to the middle of the park. Saul there gives us different characteristics with his runs and aerial game.
“With Koke, we play quicker after recovering the ball and with much more panorama. Here, he’s important, but he also will be on the wings in the future.
“The Champions League? It’s luck. Oblak and Griezmann? They are both well and will play.
“It’s normal when you play a lot of games that you pick up knocks, but they’ll play.”
