Some have been quite surprised -for all the wrong reasons- to see Atlético Madrid stumbling throughout the season, even with an all-star squad at their disposal and with one of the best coaches in the world calling the shots.
Today, Diego Simeone came clean about his responsibility in the team's shaky form, even if his players have been responsible for missing key chances in front of goal or having severe mishaps in defense during the course of many games.
"We have a great squad and four of our players were in the World Cup final. Maybe the one that is not living up to the expectations is the coach.I am the one who has to improve so they can thrive in La Liga. We're talking about the same names that won La Liga, except for Trippier and Suárez," Simeone stated. "We have Correa, Joao, Giménez, and we also added Griezmann. I think the coach is the one that's not hitting the nail on its head," the Argentine added.
The South American boss went on to discuss how he will still consider Joao Félix as part of the team, even if the Portuguese ace is set to complete a move away from Los Colchoneros.
"What matters to us is the team, and he is a big piece of the puzzle. If he transmits us what we saw of him in the World Cup, he will add to that relevance. He has the skills and talent, and the team needs that. There is no confirmation about his exit, I live one day at a time and I will try to sort things out as they come. I am interested in winning the game, that's what's important to us now," Simeone added.
With Joao Félix about to leave and with Matheus Cunha's exit, Simeone referred to his relationship to some of the players, and while he admitted that not everyone is keen to follow his philosophy, he will always try to get the best out of them.
"We have a good, work-based relationship. Since I got here I have never left our differences get in the way of what's best for the club. We can't always agree on all things, but until my final day here, I will always try to motivate those under my command to give their all," Simeone concluded.
