"Valencia will have to try hard not to be in the top four"

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone appeared in front of the press on Friday to discuss Saturday's match against high-flying Valencia at Mestalla.

"As they're not in European competition this season, Valencia will have to try hard not to be in the top four," the Argentinean said of Nuno Espírito Santo's side.

Euro-fatigue: "We're not interested in that, we just hope to perform well in the game. What's important is the things we can fix, not those we can't. And we will try to play a competitive match against a team that is playing well, who have a very good squad and a great manager. They use the counter-attack very effectively and we will have to make another big effort."

Atlético's title challenge if they beat Valencia after Sevilla victory: "We are taking it game-by-game. We have to take Valencia very seriously because they have a good style, lots of technical skill in midfield and good full backs who do their jobs well. We are just concentrating on this game."

Rotations: "We have another day left to see if anyone recovers and can join the squad. The basic idea is in place and we will try to win the game without any excuses."

Gabi: "He's fine."

Valencia accusations of Atlético's "violent" approach: "We didn't have time to listen to it because we were in competition until yesterday. I didn't read anything and I'll respond by saying what I think about Valencia, a great team, with a good tempo and a great squad. It's a good team that, without European competition this season, will have to do try hard not to be in the top four."

An open league: "There's no point getting into that after five games, it's too soon to say. The players are working hard to address some in-game situations. In the last few games we have had continuity to continue doing well. But is too early to talk about any situation that places another team on the level of Madrid or Barcelona."

Antoine Griezmann's versatility: positive or negative? "Positive, because when a player can play in different positions it's better for his manager and his team."

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1pM83tF

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