Torres: “Atleti without Simeone? It’s purely hypothetical”
The striker spoke with the media at a promotional event in Madrid on Thursday morning and dismissed reports casting doubt over the coach’s future at the club.Roma vs Atlético Madrid live online coverage
Fernando Torres took questions from the media this morning at a promotional event in Madrid where he discussed his future at Atletico, coach Diego Simeone and teammate Kevin Gameiro’s struggles in front of goal.
A mixed start to the new season
How do you feel about the start of the season?
“Good. I’m happy to be where I want to be. The competition among the players is strong but it’s what makes us a better team. My target is to earn a new contract by scoring goals. If you score goals you have a better chance of staying in the team.”
Simeone shortens his contract
What do you think of the news that Diego Simeone has shortened his contract?
“I only heard about it a short while ago when they told me you would ask about it. I can only talk about my situation, about this season and how I want to stay on for longer.”
How do you see an Atletico Madrid without Simeone?
“That’s purely hypothetical; let’s talk about realities. We’re only a month into the season and we’ve got a long year ahead of us. We don’t want to be distracted by what could happen in nine months or in a year. We won’t create our own obstacles.
“Again, I don’t know if it’s true or not. What he said after Milan was tough for all of us to take. We all feel pain differently and when people express it publicly it’s understandable. Speaking from the heart should never be a bad thing.
“I’m delighted he’s stayed. He’s the foundation of this Atleti team.”
What do you think is the great strength of this Atleti team?
“Hard work, sacrifice, humility and the desire to put the team ahead of the individual.”
Scoring goals won't be a problem for Gameiro, says Torres
How has your new teammate and strike partner Kevin Gameiro settled in?
“We’ve had some tough games against teams that have made things very difficult for us but we'll improve. He’s a player that knows how to score goals in LaLiga. He knows the league well and he shouldn’t worry. Gameiro will score goals. We all have trust in him.”
