The Argentine coach is self-critical and takes the blame for Atlético’s bad situation, which resumes the league battle against Elche on Thursday
When Simeone insisted ahead of the Cup game against Arenteiro Cholo that “no one, absolutely no one, is essential”, he went a step further this Wednesday, was self-critical and took full responsibility for Atletico’s poor situation. He did it hours before his team returned to competition after the long break before the World Cup in Qatar with a foul against Elche, a bottom team that saw the Metropolitano on the bench in Pablo Machín’s league debut.
“Five players have reached the World Cup final, we have a great squad. Possibly the one who does not give what needs to be given is the coach, because there are good football players. We have important players, I am the one who has to improve so that they can raise their level in the league,” said the Argentina coach when questioned at a press conference about the situation of the colchoneros.
Simeone acknowledged that while they are coming off “a bad season so far”, certain player names are not to blame. “They are the same as last season. Although Trippier and Luis Suarez are missing, the basis of those who won the League this year is standing. The coach is the one who fails the most,” he stressed.
The rojiblanco coach was also approached over his relationship with Joao Félix, who has been surrounded by rumors of a possible departure in January, especially after the club’s own CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín admitted that there is no good harmony between the Portuguese and the coach. .
“It’s a good working relationship, apart from some differences in people because we can’t agree on everything. I have always looked for the best for the club and I will continue to do so until the very last day. Squeezing the maximum out of everyone until the last day,” replied Cholo, who still has a contract this year.
“I care about the team and he (Joao Félix) is important to you. If he manages to convey what we saw at the World Cup, it will be very important. He has conditions, talent and the team needs his qualities,” Simeone added of the Portuguese striker, for whom agent Jorge Mendes is looking for a destination, knowing that Atlético are not prepared to accept offers of less than 100 million.
In recent days, some media reported that Borja Iglesias, Betis striker, is the chosen replacement for the Portuguese when he finally leaves the mattresstity. “I’m not talking about the guys who aren’t in the club. I save myself by making the best of what we have,” Cholo emphasized about the potential of the rojiblanca Academy.
«I live from day to day, I try to solve situations that affect me. Elche will play tomorrow, and I will try to play with the people who I think can win the match, that’s the most important thing of all,” he explained before outlining the possibility of Joao Félix starting against Elche after his sudden discomfort that prevented him from jumping to the Galician clay for the recent cup match.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
