Simeone: "I think Saúl leaving would be premature"
"He's still young and to keep on growing there's nowhere better than his home," said the Atlético manager of his midfielder ahead of Valencia match.
How do you prepare for games like this in quick succession? “We’re fine. We took advantage of a day off in midweek. We’ve prepared for the game well, with the same energy and strength as usual. We’re playing a tough opponent, with very good players.”
Should Saúl get a call-up? “It’s not up to me to suggest who the Spain coach should select. Saúl is still growing as a player. He’s a complete midfielder, who can play anywhere on the pitch. He has a good shot, he’s good in the air and everything he has in his locker to improve himself as a player depends entirely on him. I hope he continues to grow.”
Valencia: “It will be a good game. They are a side who have good players in the middle, like Parejo, Fuego… and they have people up front with good individual characteristics and a lot of quality.”
Offers for Saúl: “That depends on the club. Our interest in is trying to make players the best they can be. I think it would be premature for Saul to leave because he’s young and to continue growing as a player there is nowhere better than his home; Atlético.”
Kranevitter to replace Augusto? “Possibly, that’s the most natural change even though he is a different type of player to Augusto, but Saúl can also play inside, or Óliver [Torres], with Griezmann out wide… We’re going to wait a little to see what comes into my head [laughs].”
Carrasco: “He’s ok. He’s recovered from his injury and he’s fine and he’ll be in the squad. I don’t expect he’ll play from the start but he’ll get some minutes.”
Are you impatient for Vietto to score? “No.”