Diego Simeone insists he is focused solely on preparing for Saturday’s clash with Alaves and nothing else.
Atletico Madrid coach ‘El Cholo’ Diego Simeone has insisted he is only thinking about Saturday’s La Liga clash with Alaves, refusing to address rumours the club are looking for a replacement next summer or the following year, Relevo reported on Friday.
Atletico Madrid director of football Carlos Busero has reportedly been looking to reduce the power of Simeone, who has been at the club for over a decade, as well as look for a future replacement for the Argentine, but ‘El Cholo’ is keeping his cool on the issue.
‘l just think about Alaves and I don’t stop. I don’t see anything (about that). I just think about Alaves and how to fix the game for us,’ Simeone said. ‘(As for the rumours) it’s not a question for me.’
Simeone is set to take charge of Atletico Madrid for the 700th game since taking over as manager of the club in December 2011.
‘Thank you to everyone who worked with me, to all the players who made me stay at this club for so long, to Miguel Angel (Kil Marin) and Enrique (Cerezo) for their support throughout my career and to our people who have always respected me. I am grateful to Atletico Madrid and I am happy to enjoy my 700th game here.’
‘I’m focused on what we’ve done in the last 13 years or so. When teams are competitive, serious, play blockers, high or low, they compete well. And that’s what’s carry over into this 700-game journey, in addition to the dedication of the players.’
Simeone also praised 21-year-old midfielder Pablo Barrios, who made his Spain debut in Monday’s 3-2 win over Switzerland.
‘He’s on a great path. He has a lot of good things and still needs to improve. He’s in a period of growth and is Promotion ufabet open to doing good things. I have no doubt that as he gets closer to his goal, he will be a better decision maker than he is now.’