Sports
Hours before a crucial match that could reshape the Spanish league standings, Diego Simeone, head coach of Atlético Madrid, emphasized that the La Liga title this season will not be decided solely by playing quality but by endurance and resilience. During a Friday press conference ahead of the anticipated Saturday clash against Levante, Simeone highlighted the importance of managing the team's effort, explaining that reaching peak performance in every game requires careful planning of substitutions and player motivation. He described the upcoming match as challenging, noting that Levante plays strongly at home with high spirit, stressing the need to control the game and inflict damage on the opponent. Simeone reaffirmed his commitment to the "one game at a time" philosophy, rejecting early focus on league standings. He began his remarks by expressing condolences to the families affected by the tragic Orda train accident, hoping for improved circumstances in the future. Regarding the title race, he stated the team will experience good, bad, and average times, emphasizing that those who overcome difficult moments are the true contenders. He also addressed the congested schedule that will see his team face Barcelona twice in less than a month due to adjustments linked to the Spanish Super Cup, viewing it as a regular consequence of fixture congestion. Simeone praised Portuguese player Morten Hellomand for his significant effort and competition with key players like Koke, Barrios, and Cardoso, alongside solid performances from Mendoza and Obeid, describing Hellomand as having the right character to achieve his goals. He defended young player Arnau, commending his enthusiasm and progress, and expressed full confidence in Lukman despite his current form, emphasizing the importance of trusting his development. The conference concluded with a humorous comment on the new policy allowing referees to conduct media interviews after matches, hoping their feedback will be positive and that matters will proceed smoothly.
