Simeone: “I’m the one who has to improve”

If in the run-up to the cup duel against Arenteiro Cholo Simeone insisted that “nobody, absolutely nobody, is essential”, this Wednesday he went one step further, was self-critical and assumed full responsibility for Atlético’s bad situation. He did it hours before his team returns to the League after the long break for the World Cup in Qatar with a cheating duel against Elche, a bottom team that saw the Metropolitano in Pablo Machín’s league debut on his bench.

«Five players have reached the World Cup final, we have a great squad. Possibly, the one who is not giving what has to be given is the coach, because there are good footballers. We have important players, I am the one who has to improve so that they can raise their level in the League, “said the Argentine coach when questioned at a press conference about the situation of the colchoneros.

Simeone acknowledged that, although they come from “a bad season to date”, it is not the fault of particular player names. “They are the same as last season. Although Trippier and Luis Suárez are missing, the base of those who won the League is this year. The coach is the one who is failing more than anything else,” he stressed.

The rojiblanco coach was also approached for his relationship with Joao Félix, who is 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 is a good working relationship, beyond some differences in people because we cannot agree on everything. I have always looked for the best for the club, and I will do so until the last day. Squeeze the maximum out of everyone until the last day, “replied Cholo, who has this year left and one more contract.

The future of Joao Felix

«I care about the team and he (Joao Félix) is important to you. If he manages to transmit what we saw in the World Cup, it will be very important. He has the conditions, talent, and the team needs his qualities,” Simeone added about the Portuguese striker, for whom agent Jorge Mendes is looking for a destination knowing that Atlético is not willing 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 if he finally leaves the mattress entity. «I am not talking about the boys who are not in the club. I manage myself by making the best of what we have at home”, stressed Cholo about the potential of the rojiblanca Academy.

«I live from day to day, I try to solve situations that touch me. Elche is playing tomorrow, and I will try to play with the people who I think can win the game, that is the most important thing of all, “he explained before the possibility that Joao Félix would start against the Elche after his sudden discomfort that prevented him from jumping to the Galician clay for the recent cup clash.