Ahead of the team’s first Copa del Rey match of the 2025/26 season, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone previewed Wednesday night’s match against La Liga side Atletico Balearic.
“It’s always complicated to think about tomorrow’s game, to understand the game from where it started. It always is,” Simeone told reporters on Tuesday. “The opponents are excited, (the big teams) have little interest in the game and by the time you realize you are ready, it is too late to react and there is only one game in the opponent’s stadium.”
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He also praised Atletico Balearics, saying “They played a great game against Espanyol and it’s very clear that Espanyol are having a great season.”
Diego Simeone on Johnny Cardoso
“He is recovering from an injury he picked up at Barcelona. He started against Inter Milan and started against Barcelona and unfortunately he got injured and that hampered his recovery and prevented him from helping us in those games (against Athletic Bilbao, PSV and Valencia). The best way to help him is to get him fit and when he gets fit, we will need him.”
Diego Simeone on Matteo Ruggieri
“Every player wants to improve himself and he is no exception. We show him the images we need to help him improve and help the team. He is improving in certain areas and hopefully he can continue to grow because we need everyone.”
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Diego Simeone on the power of Copa del Rey
“It’s more attractive, individual games are more tense and intense, and whoever makes a mistake is out. We have to take the game to where we can do damage.”
Diego Simeone opens up about his aspirations for 2026
“Health, vitality and happiness.”
Diego Simeone on referees and Florentino Perez’s latest criticism
“I’m thinking about tomorrow’s game and I don’t care about other situations that don’t help at all.”
Diego Simeone on whether Juan Musso will start in Copa del Rey
“We talk to the players. I’m not saying he’s going to play the whole season. Anything can happen. He could not play, he could get injured, I could make mistakes… We always take it game by game. I talk to them and sometimes I change players, but you can make mistakes.”
Diego Simeone on the importance of youth academy
“It’s always good to have players who come from the academy. They bring history to the club where they were born. Today’s Koke, Saul, Lucas, Fernando Torres or Barrios, it’s always positive to be able to add that energy to the team.”
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Diego Simeone talks transfer window
“There are always concerns between players and especially agents. It’s time for them to work and with the World Cup coming up many players will feel the need to show their ability and go there, but there’s nothing that guarantees you’ll go to another team (and play). We will be open to whatever may happen, whatever is best for the club and the players.”
Diego Simeone on whether Marc Pubill is a full-back or a centre-back
“I’m thinking about keeping him playing as he can play at full-back, but I haven’t decided yet.”
