Simeone: Atletico fans should be proud of team
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes that his players are worthy of high praise after they defeated Real Betis twice in three weeks.
By FOX Sports Staff
The weekend fixture took place at the Vicente Calderon and Atletico won 1-0 and have now registered a 20th consecutive success on home soil. They have also been unbeaten at home in all competitions and looked in complete control against the fifth-placed side in the league.
Simeone hailed his side's performances as well as the manner of the win on Sunday night.
"If I was a fan of Atletico, I would be proud of the players. We played a great game against a team that is fifth in the table," Simeone told reporters in the post-match press conference.
"I think the start of the game was ours, with chances for Gabi and Arda. We were in command at all times in the first half but we lacked accuracy with out finishing.
"During the second half, I thought it was important for Diego Costa to score a goal and we defended well."
Furthermore, he defended Adrian who has been rather inconsistent of late for the first team. The forward was linked with a move to the Premier League but with just four goals for the club this season, his stock has fallen considerably in recent weeks.
Moreover, it was Adrian who had to make way for Costa and the senior player scored within five minutes of his introduction.
"We have not seen the same level of performances from Adrian as that last year or at the end of the European Super Cup against Chelsea," agreed the Argentinean trainer.
"But the only way forward is for him to keep on playing and we will continue to assist him, because he's a decisive player for the team."
Second-placed Atletico are seven points ahead of Real Madrid and nine points behind league leaders Barcelona