VALENCIA 0-2 ATLÉTICO | SIMEONE
Simeone: "Fresh legs are making the difference for us"
"The first penalty save was extraordinary, it was a fantastic dive from Alves. Griezmann missed again, but that's just sheer chance", said the coach after today's win at Mestalla.
Diego Simeone gave his account of this afternoon's 0-2 win over Valencia at Mestalla - a result which sees his Atlético side climb provisionally into top spot in the table, ahead the rest of today's fixtures.
Was this Atlético's most complete performance of the season so far?
When the final whistle went, I got all of the players together and told them that our strength is what we do as a group. If the players understand that the team always comes first, that is what matters. Carrasco, Correa, Griezmann, Torres, Gaitán… It's the players who are coming in and out of the side who are making the difference. Today, Valencia started better than we did, they controlled the first 10 minutes, and after that we dominated pretty much the rest of the game.
The second goal came on minute 92. Did your team suffer too much?
It's not easy to play at Mestalla, against Valencia. They went into this game on the back of two wins and the enthusiasm of a new coach coming in. The first penalty got the atmosphere really going and the second one boosted their fans even more. But my lads are truly incredible - you can't stop them.
Is there are problem developing with taking penalties?
The first penalty save was extraordinary, it was a fantastic dive from Alves. Griezmann missed again, but that's just sheer chance. The keeper did well in the second one as well, because Gabi usually scores from the spot. We have to congratulate the keeper.
What do you think of Prandelli?
I spoke to him once in Turkey. I've seen his work as a coach and he has good ideas, he's come to a club keen to get down to work and I'm sure they will be back where they have always been. I wish Prandelli and Valencia all the best.
Atleti's defensive record is very impressive: just two goals conceded in nine games…
The work which the team does is exceptional. They've been playing this way for four and half years now so it's something which goes beyond nine games. Whether you play as a forward or a goalkeeper, that defensive record is the fruit of a job well done.