Simeone: "Neymar sings, dances... and does his talking on the pitch"

No joy at Camp Nou

You have never won at Camp Nou, down to bad luck or just being outplayed?
Nearly all of the games we have lost against Barça up there have been down to their merits; the games we have drawn, likewise. If we haven't won, it's because we haven't deserved to over the 90 minutes. We drew in the Champions League (2014) and then there was that game when Falcao put us ahead but we ended up losing 4-1. But over the full 90 minutes, they were the better team. 

After tomorrow's game, Atlético meet Deportivo on Sunday afternoon - Atleti are the only team involved in the Champions League who play on Sunday... what can be done about the scheduling of fixtures?
From our point of view, we work based on what times we have been given, and try to do as best as possible. From a coach's point of view, there's nothing we can do about it. 

Neymar came in for some heavy criticism in the Leganés game for laying the showboating on a bit too thickly when the score was already decided; what do you think?
Neymar is an extraordinary player. He won gold medal at the Olympics after they had criticized him in Brazil for the team's first two games. At Barcelona, he has found the ideal place to express himself and his talents. 

Griezmann is the cover star on today's edition of L’Équipe; the accompanying article calls for votes for him in the Ballon d'Or...
You, the journalists, have the possibility to bring justice, it's in your hands. I hope Griezmann's is among the candidates. He had a brilliant season and he's started this one strong. You, the media have always had a good eye in deciding these things.

Griezmann seems more dynamic, more complete, he is now moving in more zones of the pitch. Why is that, having you been workin on his game with him?
We've been doing a lot of work in terms of his reading of the game. A lot of people criticized us when we signed him from Real Sociedad for not playing him out wide. He is fantastic at reading diagonal runs. So we put him just behimnd the striker and he has been steadily growing, he has really progressed a lot. It's admirable they way you can put him in a certain zone and watch the way he resolves the difficulties he's in. The other day we had him working on his defensive game. I hope that ambition stays with him. 

Is this the kind of game which will be won or lost in midfield?
More than in midfield, it will be determined in both penalty areas. They have tremendous attacking potential. We we can defend to the best of our abilities, we'll be in with a chance. The centre of the park is where the moves will be developed. 

Do still think Barcelona is the best team in the world?
Yes, I still think that. They play brillant football, they are decisive in individual and collective play, even if they didn't win the Champions League last season.

If Neymar starts doing his showboating party piece tomorrow, will you be offended?
He has his way of playing and that's just the way he is. Every player has their own style and way of playing. They've criticized him - even about his private life. He likes having fun, he sings, he dances… then he'll tear you to shreds. People can continue criticizing him but the lad's always going to respond by doing his talking where he needs to - out there on the pitch.