Simeone pleased with 'fantastic' response
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was delighted with how his side bounced back from Gabi's sending-off in their 1-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday night.
By FOX Sports Staff
Los Rojiblancos had already scored the opener through a Falcao penalty but a feisty period saw a number of players from both sides get bookings from the referee.
Gabi was given one for joining a scuffle that threatened to break into a melee and earned a second shortly afterwards for a late challenge on Joan Capdevila in the 49th minute.
However, the Catalans rarely got a chance to assert their numerical superiority in the second half as Atletico were dominant in all departments within the game. Simeone was proud of his side's resolute display that ensured that they remain the only side with a 100% home record in the La Liga this season.
"Once again, I feel great joy by the response of the team. The first half was good and we had done well," he told the post-match press conference.
"Following the sending off we were left with [Diego] Costa on the left and Arda [Turan] working on the other wing. The effort [by both players] was extraordinary.
"We responded fantastically [to the sending-off]. The centre-backs were exceptional, [Radamel] Falcao did very well, Tiago showed commitment, Arda showed his talent. The full-backs were able to defend the pressure. It was a great collective effort."
The Argentinean coach was also happy that the players continued to impress in front of their home crowd and have ensured an enjoyable experience for their supporters at the Vicente Calderon this season.
"Sometimes we do better, others worse but I think people value and want to see that the squad is delivering. Today we delivered and the fans response was great," he added.
"We live from game to game. We have always given the idea and intention of being competitive."
Although Atletico were knocked out of the Europa League last week, they still have a chance of winning silverware as they face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg. Simeone stated that he had no special plans for the encounter and expects his team to train as if it were any other game.
"We're going to face a major rival in an openknock out game. We'll try to eat well, train well and do the normal routine. I hope we have a good response like we always have had," he said.
The side from the capital have a one-goal lead from the first leg and visit Seville on Wednesday night.