Simeone talks about Sorloth and explains the changes

Atlético de Madrid

What went through your mind when Sorloth received the ball?

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?That it could be a goal. Just last night we had a long and intense chat with him about the place he has in the team and the importance that we give to each player who plays. Each one is very important to us. And then that run appeared, De Paul's pass, in a match that had become strange in the first half. Alavés defended very well, tried to close up with order and a lot of work. We went into halftime and I believe the team continued improving their pace, being more aggressive, with more intention, more presence in the area, and that led us to be more dangerous. The penalty appeared and a beautiful play, finished in the best way by Sorloth."

Team growth, is there still room for improvement in the game?

?I don't believe anyone gets up without wanting to continue growing, we are also in that search?.

How much of the growth has to do with the improvement in defense?

?I always say the same thing. When I talk about defense, it seems like we have to name the full-backs, center-backs, the goalkeeper... But the team works very well as a unit, it has gained more strength. It depends on collective work, but we have to keep looking to improve?.

Thirteen years ago when Toni Muñoz called you, Atlético wanted you, you were with Giuliano, who was 8 years old... What goes through your mind now?

?Many things. I never imagined any game as it is. I am absolutely fortunate in everything, coaching staff, only Pablo (Vercellone) continues from the beginning. I am grateful to the players who have helped me along this whole journey, who have allowed me to convey an idea of living life and this game on the field. Not to mention Miguel Ángel (Gil) and Enrique (Cerezo), for supporting me in difficult times, which have existed. Thanks to our people, since I arrived as a player, we feel a great respect and that is priceless. And my family, I have taken away minutes from them, many, and I thank them?.

One game out of the 700?

?The Copa del Rey, after 14 years without beating Madrid. We broke a tough situation for our fans and I think that was a bit of a turning point that gave us the vision to say: ?Be careful, it's possible?.?

Value of victory, how do you manage that situation with this squad

?I focus on what can happen in the 90 minutes. I imagine the matches as a card game, I need them because without them I can't play and have the possibility to manage certain situations. It is true that they are happier or not, each one in the squad knows their reality, and what it is, fifteen, ten, seven, to be important?.

Simeone on DAZN

What a celebration with Sorloth in the 2-1!

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?We were happy. We had one of those nice talks we have last night. We spoke clearly, explained to them what we need from him and how important he is. Coincidentally, the Goddess of Fortune arrived, great vision from De Paul and a run and a goal. In a short period of time, he gave us great quality, which is what matters. We talked about football matters, which need to be discussed when a player arrives and doesn't know well how I manage the team. I don't have commitment with anyone, if I need them for 10 minutes, to the death. He came in as we wanted him to and performed as he did?.

The changes have given rhythm to the team

?The first half started with the penalty that caused us difficulty in progressing in the match. The opponent scores and sits back, spaces get shorter... We had Lino's shot hitting the crossbar, another from Llorente that could have been resolved better from the right, and not much more. The team looked cold. In the second half, we brought in the heat. The players who came in did well, provided speed and dynamism in the final stretch and presence in the area. Lenglet's move, Giuliano's, dangerous crosses... Then the penalty and Sorloth's fantastic goal arrived?.

Alavés made the match complicated

?We know. Last year we were winning 2-0 comfortably, they scored and the end was tight. This time they found an early goal. In the second half, we generated more opportunities and got the reward of an important victory?.

How did you see the penalty for the 1-1?

?Those handballs, we don't know anymore... When they are in your favor, you are happy, and if not... It would be good to have something conclusive: if it touches, it's a penalty or something like that. If not, we are left wondering. In the first one, it hits Javi's hand. In the one for the 1-1, Sorloth's shot is on target and then it's a penalty?.

700 games, how many more?

?I live in the present. It's a good moment, the guys work with a lot of responsibility and understanding what we need and want. I am at peace. I am in a place that I love very much... (gets emotional and leaves)?.