Diego Pablo Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid, appeared before the media electronically, before traveling to Barcelona to play tomorrow (4:15 p.m.) at the Camp Nou, on LaLiga matchday 23. Cholo’s appearance was marked by the statements in which he made reference to some criticism that Xavi addressed to the style of Atlético de Madrid in 2016 in the Universo Valdano program.
The first to speak was Xavi, who was asked if he maintained his criticism of Simeone’s Atlético style. “It wouldn’t be Barça’s style, it wouldn’t fit in, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have merit and isn’t competitive. People wouldn’t understand if we closed down. They win and it’s legal to play like that, but it’s not my style. It doesn’t mean I don’t admire him. Cholo is a great coach, it is not a criticism“He replied, softening his words from 2016 a bit.
Almost at the same time, Simeone’s appearance in Madrid took place, in which the press also brought up Xavi’s words. These were Simeone’s words:
-Barça Xavi style: “Back in 2016 I remember a note, in Valdan Universein which Xavi said that Atlético’s football was not for the style of big teams, now he has the possibility, with the arrival of so many footballers to use above all three, to be able to display what he is looking for, wants, imagines and, in reality, his entire cradle grew from Barcelona”.
-Xavi criticizes Cholo’s style, does not understand cholism: “No, I don’t see it as a lack of respect: when one has only lived with one situation in his life, he doesn’t understand another. What he thinks is very respectable. Now to try to prove it within the coach that he is, who will surely be very good”.
-Xavi coach: “I like how Barcelona plays. He has put the philosophy that he has had all his life now with the incorporations, eight footballers for three places. He has many tools to continue maintaining the style of a lifetime. Ever since I arrived, Barcelona has always fought to be champion of everything”.
-You have never won at the Camp Nou in the league, could this be a good opportunity?: “It’s true that we haven’t been lucky enough to win at Barça yet. They are statistics, they are numbers and the numbers are there to be broken. It is a great team, with important players, especially from the pitch forward, with a coach who knows the house, the people. With his work he will take the team to the well-defined style that Barcelona has”.
-In 2018, they lost 1-0 at the Camp Nou due to a free kick from Messi. What do they lack to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou?: “Score one more goal than them.”
-Atlético internationals, physical condition: “This is one of the opportunities that they have recovered the best, except for Herrera who arrived yesterday.”
-This match comes to him at his best after the victory against Valencia: “It’s a very important game, like all the ones we play in LaLiga, against a rival that competes for the same goals and it will be a nice game to watch”.
-Koke: “It is always uncomfortable to talk in the middle of the season or at times when a player is not at his best. Koke was always very important to us and, beyond his time on the pitch, he always gives us much more than meets the eye. If he’s okay, he solves tactical, defensive complications. He fully trusted the player that he is Koke”.
-Suárez, return to the Camp Nou: “When you put together a formation, you seek to find better situations that the team may have with the players who are going to play.”
-Wass and Reinildo: “Both of them can play. They are to play. They are very excited about positive energy and will give us a lot from now on”.
-Joao: “Look, this is very clear: João is going to play tomorrow and it is a great moment for words to be deeds. He has all the conditions to do it. He has trained very well this week, with enthusiasm, the desire to prove it and tomorrow he will surely have a great game, which is what we all want”.
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