Simeone: "Saúl could become one of the world's best"
Atlético's coach faced the press ahead of the team's trip to Granada: "There are a lot of points left in play but the margin for error is very slim".
Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone attended the press ahead of Saturday's game against Granada at Los Cármenes. First on the agenda was confirming those who won't be in action tomorrow night.
Absentees: "Gameiro won't make it, he hasn't been feeling too good and he is not in conditions to play an important game like this one. Gabi's situation is something which we didn't expect. We have had a few issues to contend with this season and that has forced us to look for the best solutions in what has been quite a complicated season. There have been moments when we have been obliged to compete without the players we had hoped to field".
Simeone cautious on Granada threat
Granada: "The second half of the season is always very different to the first and especially when you visit the teams who are in the relegation battle. Granada is a completely different side when they play at home. At home they are strong, intense, they have made life very difficult for visiting teams and have been able to take their games where they want them to go. Their coach has given them character. They also have pace up front. [Adrián] Ramos is an interesting player who is good with his back to goal. Granada play their home games at a high rhythm and with a lot of intensity and we will need to be prepared for what could be an explosive start to the match".
Fernando Torres close to return
Torres: "He's still in the process of recovering; I think he'll be ready to return on Wednesday".
Difficult choice in selecting the back four
Centre-backs: "The decisions I have to take with the central defender are the toughest because it's probably the area where competition for places is greatest within the team. It's always unfair on those who are left out because all four of them train well and compete well... It will be partly the decision which the coach takes and maybe also a specific individual characteristic which will determine which ones play tomorrow".
Atlético's objectives for the season: "It wouldn't be wise to look any further ahead than the Granada game; we take one game at a time - that has been our strength and our way of thinking for a long time now. There are still a lot of points in play, but the margin for error is very slim. The situation will be a bit clearer when there are five games left to play. Real Sociedad are pushing, Villarreal are playing well and Sevilla are playing to win the league. We tend to isolate ourselves from those who are battling to be crowned champions and look at those who are just below us".
Saúl: "Since the day I came to this club, beyond the objective of winning silverware, which the team has done, I have always said that the plan is to exploit the potential of our youth players. Saúl, Koke, Lucas, Thomas… We have a handful of lads who have always responded. Saúl has got everything he needs to become one of the best midfielders in the world: he shoots well, can deliver a killer pass, he can dictate the rhythm of the game and he's good in the air... And above all he's a play who wants to improve and become a better player".
Simeone praises Monaco's Falcao
Radamel Falcao: "I'm not surprised at all about his excellent performances, I love him very much - he's been through some complicated moments but he has that rebellious streak and tremendous inner strength which has helped him through. I couldn't be happier for him that it's all working out well".
Read the preview, follow the build-up and enjoy live coverage of Atlético vs Leverkusen with the team at AS English.
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