Simeone he attended the media after the last training session of the week at Atlético, in which the novelty was the presence of Carrasco, still doubtful for the match against Celta. The coach praised the rival’s coach, spoke of some doubts in the eleven
There are four cases of coronavirus on the staff. For these mishaps the title is not given as a favorite? How is Carrasco?
The doctor told us the LaLiga protocols and Atleti will behave to see if Carrasco can be with us in the afternoon. As a result of everything, we have to adapt to what happens, whether with COVID, injuries, sanctions … We must find solutions with those who are available.
How has Celta changed since Atleti’s visit to Balaídos?
Coudet’s arrival has given him personality, strength in his offensive game, which he always had, but with a more forceful dynamic, speed in pressure after loss, to overwhelm you, they are much closer to your goal. And surely the confidence, you can see that he started very well, then he had a slump and there they are again at a good level. The absence of Aspas at that time could affect the volume of the team’s game. Celta is clear about what he plays and will want to be the protagonist.
Will Saúl play left again? Are you getting the confidence you need?
Footballers need to play and from playing they gain confidence. Self-confidence generates that you continue to stay on the team. We can play with Saúl as in Cádiz, with Lodi as a winger and Sime on the other side… We are evaluating him.
What goes through your head when you hear about every positive on the team?
We are at a time where you can take maximum care of yourself and any situation can lead to contagion. It can happen to all of us, it was my turn. That the boys return as best and as quickly as possible and we try to take care of ourselves as a society as they indicate us. But sometimes it touches you.
This team is compared to the 13-14 champion …
We can’t compare, we could do it at the end of the season. The League is very long, very complex… There is no way to look for comparisons. We look at what we have in the team to strengthen it and go game by game according to the objectives.
Does the short start from the goalkeeper work more with the centrals?
Based on the characteristics of our players, we work with their virtues and we want to enhance them. Sometimes we work more on that and sometimes we work on the characteristics of other defenses. All teams are concerned with looking for numerical superiorities, breaking the pressure of the rival, gaining spaces … It can be reached in many ways, with many passes, with passing game as well, winning the second ball. All coaches seek to enhance the virtues of our footballers.
Llorente performs in many positions …
When a footballer is confident he can play anywhere, especially midfielders with virtues like Marcos’. So did Saúl, Koke, Thomas at the time… Thomas played as a forward and right back; Saúl played everything even within the same game, Koke has played in the middle, on the left, as a third striker … Every player has qualities and when he is confident, he can do it.
