"This season is better than last year in terms of numbers"

Diego Simeone spoke to the media ahead of his side’s match against Málaga on Saturday at the Vicente Calderón.

Javi Gracia: “He’s a coach who always sets up tactically well and he’s a very good coach. I can see a close game. Málaga are very competitive, they don’t concede many goals, although it is true that they haven’t scored many either. They’ll be keen to put on a good show.”

Sergio Ramos: “What he said isn’t an opinion of mine. I admire and respect Ramos and if we could choose players to add to the group, he would be one of them.”

Success: “This season is better than last year in terms of numbers, but there is still a lot to play for. To talk about what might happen isn’t a good idea because we don’t know where we’re going to finish. But this season is already better than last.”

Torres: “I expect the best from all of my players.”

Godín: “We’re losing one of our leaders, he’s a very important figure in the dressing room, but we have players who can come in and do well. We’ve got Giménez. Hopefully Godín will be back with us as soon as possible.”

Lucas: “He’s been coming along, he’s been with us for a long time and he’s been lucky enough, and unfortunate, to have great central defenders by his side. He always works hard, he wants to improve and the most important thing is that he doesn’t have any fear and besides whether he plays well or not, that’s the best thing. That counts for a lot.”

Fans: “The stadium will be full, we’re playing a very important game and we have to be prepared only for that.”

Defence: “There are a group of important players in the dressing room who work for the requirements of the club. Then there is a team ethic that has allowed players like Torres, Correa and Carrasco to perform well… the team brings out the best in every player and that’s the most positive thing.”