The Argentine believes the players trusted to replace the likes of Diego Costa and David Villa can take the club to new heights by creating extra competition for places
Mario Mandzukic is reaching the peak of his career. Antoine Griezmann has improved throughout the season and is enjoying a “formidable” run of form. And Fernando Torres, who brings “excitement and rebelliousness” to the team, still has much to offer. All of which, says their coach Diego Simeone, makesAtletico Madrid an improving team with an ever stronger identity.
Simeone, speaking exclusively to Goal, hailed the newcomers who arrived after the exit of Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luis and four others who played in last season’s Champions League final against Real Madrid. He also spoke of his emotional attachment to a special club where, he says, talent alone is not enough.
“We have been building a team for almost three and a half years now and it has improved over time with defensive solidity and growth in attack made possible by Costa, by [David] Villa, the arrival of Mandzukic, the arrival of Torres and Riemann,” the Argentine said.
“That means, following the solid structure we have built, that the team has been able to maintain an identity in terms of our playing style. The best thing we have at the moment is that we have been able to sustain that identity over time, which is difficult. That’s what we aspire to achieve in order to keep improving.”
Asked to assess the contribution of the new men, Simeone said: “Mandzukic has an internal drive that makes him a real pleasure to work with. He works for the cause, he gives his heart and soul in every game – and that is welcomed at Atletico Madrid.
“As the days go by, I am told he is reaching the best numbers of his entire career so that makes us even happier. He works and lives for scoring goals, and we need the intensity and aggressiveness he brings in every game.
“Griezmann has grown a lot. He came here with the defined characteristics of a left winger, but little by little we have been working with him so he can play in other positions. We have worked on making him more aggressive defensively, with the tactical intensity to compete with the very best, and he has adapted in the best way possible.
“He had a formidable December and January, he is a fast player with great control, he scores goals, can head, jump and tactically he is very intelligent. Little by little, he has won his place among the important players at this club
“And the arrival of Fernando… excitement, rebelliousness from a footballer who is still young and who still has a lot to offer. The fight for places and competition that he brings, with the likes of Raul Garcia, Griezmann, Raul Jimenez, Mandzukic – that makes us better.
“At any club, if there is no competition internally, you cannot compete externally. To achieve what we want to achieve, and fight against the rivals we have to fight against, we need a group of 18 to 20 footballers with that mindset.”
On the loss of Courtois, Costa and Filipe Luis, who all signed for Chelsea, the Argentine said, “Look, I’m grateful to those players because they gave us so much - and to all of the lads who have passed through this club, because there’s also Villa, there’s Falcao, and a lot of footballers who have given their life for this team, in football terms.
“I’m grateful for all that, and I feel joy for them because they took a decision they wanted to take. We just keep on working, because as coaches and as a club, we have a challenge. Over and above the names of individual players, the institution is much more important.
“It’s difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t been at the club because there are things that can’t be expressed, there are things that come from the heart, a feeling you have daily. This club leaves a mark on you – especially those of us who have lived great experiences here.”
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