Simeone: La Liga has improved

Diego Simeone claims Atletico Madrid’s struggles to compete in La Liga this season are primarily down to their rivals being stronger than before.

Real Sociedad’s 2-1 win at Espanyol on Friday left Atleti in fifth, four points behind third-placed Sevilla and 10 behind leaders Real Madrid, and Simeone believes there is now greater competition in Spain as opposed to his side having weakened.

“I’m happy because we have the majority [of the squad available], except for Augusto and Tiago, who will return next week in principle,” the Coach said at a Press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Celta Vigo.

“Gimenez, Thomas and Godin’s [injuries] are minimal. I have the joy of counting on these guys. Gimenez’s seemed more serious than it was.

“Lucas [Hernandez]? You all saw how he played the other day, with character. Usually it’s difficult to enter these types of games.

“We’ve had a plan for five years, which is to think about the next game and not look the other way.

“It’s what has led us to do well. We’re going to face a team that work very well, have always reinvented themselves and fight, so we’ll have to find the best routes to where we feel most comfortable.

“Copa del Rey? Having competed all month with the enthusiasm of reaching the final and not doing so, it hurts.

“Still, both the second half at the Calderon and the entire match at Camp Nou enlightens us to continue in that line of consistency.

“Harder to qualify for the Champions League? Yes, because many teams have improved. Real [Sociedad] are having a fantastic season, Villarreal always compete, Sevilla are gambling on the League instead of the cups.

“We’re not as consistent as before, while the others have improved, so we’ll have to run and work hard to achieve our objectives.”

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La Liga - Club News