Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid are ignoring the top three in La Liga as the threat of missing out on the Champions League is greater.
Atleti are seemingly out of the title picture, given they lag 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, and face a fight to finish in the top four, with Real Sociedad and Villarreal firmly on Los Colchoneros’ toes.
“It wouldn’t be right to think beyond the match against Granada, this is our strength,” the Coach said at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Granada.
“There are many points still to play for, but the margin for error is getting smaller and La Real are applying very good pressure on us.
“Villarreal are also playing good football and Sevilla are playing to be champions. Now we’re looking at the teams nearest to us, the ones that are below us, and we’re isolating ourselves from the three who are fighting for the title.
“Injuries? Gameiro won’t be in the game because he doesn’t feel well and isn’t in a position to face such an important match.
“Fernando’s in the process of recovering and we hope that by Wednesday, he’ll be back with us.
“Gabi’s situation is an unexpected one… All these complex situations force us to keep reinventing ourselves in a season that’s been complicated.
“These occurrences have stopped us from being able to compete with all the players we have.”
Granada: Ochoa; Foulquier, Hongla, Saunier, Gaston, Hector; Boga, Wakaso, Uche, Pereira; Adrian Ramos
Injuries/suspensions: Carcela (S) Kone (I)
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Godín, Savic, Filipe; Gaitan, Koke, Saul, Carrasco; Correa, Griezmann
Injuries/suspensions: Augusto (I), Gabi (I), Tiago (I), Torres (I), Gameiro (I)
Referee: Hernandez Hernandez
Form guide: Atleti (W D L W W) Granada (L W L W L)
Previous meeting: Atleti 7-1 Granada
Kick-off time: 19:45 GMT/20:45 CET
