Simeone: "Vitolo is enthusiastic and will start against Lleida"
The Argentine previewed the game against Lleida on Tuesday and spoke about Barcelona signing Coutinho as an important step for them.
Atlético Madrid welcome Lleida to the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey after Diego Simeone's side beat their opponents 4-0 in the first encounter. He spoke to the press to discuss the game and the incorporation of his new signings, Vitolo and Diego Costa.
Is Vitolo ready to play from the start?
He just arrived and has to familiarise himself with what his talent can bring to the team. He is very enthusiastic and will start the game tomorrow.
Will Costa play tomorrow seeing as he is not available for the Eibar game at the weekend?
The club has to do what is best to defend their interests. The starting line-up that is planned is not the one that will start against Eibar and tomorrow he will get minutes.
Are you worried that the new signings have created a state of euphoria?
I don't think that either extremes are good, I never liked them. The influence of important players, high up the pecking order, empower the team and the players can feel that. The team is looking good and the people, when they go to the stadium can feel that. We need consistency and now we think about finishing off this round of the Copa.
How do you see Vrsaljko? His situation has changed completely.
We see him the same as you, our view does not change from yours. Things show themselves on the field, there are often too many words. Sime is very good and hopefully he stays in the team. When results and performances come together, that continuity arrives.
Real Madrid are seven points behind you. Are you surprised? Do you forget about them in the league title race?
We are thinking about the Copa now, not the league.
Is the distance to Barcelona manageable?
We are very focused on the Copa, we are not interested in looking past the Lleida game. It's beneficial when they can sign players like Coutinho, although he can't play in the Champions League, he maked the league much stronger. With the difference that Barca have it is an important step.
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