Simeone: "Give me VAR any day; there was less justice before it"
The Atlético Madrid coach wasn't up for talking about Edinson Cavani or Mono Burgos' future. Antonio Adán will start against Cultural.
Diego Simeone attended the media this afternoon to preview Atlético Madrid's Copa del Rey tie against Cultural.
How much are Atlético looking forward to this year's Copa del Rey campaign?
We've always up for the Copa del Rey when it comes around. It's an important competition for every club that takes part and one which excites us as much as any of the other competitions we are playing in. Cultural are strong at home, in attack they are one of the best sides in their division and we will need to be alert to their game. They are strong on the break and we will be taking them on with the hope of going through to the next round.
Do you like the new instant knockout format?
We have to adapt to whatever decisions the Federation make. It's more entertaining when ties are played over one game rather than two legs, and it's now more difficult for every team - now we have to work even harder to get a result at the grounds of the team we play against. There is no longer that 'comfort' in inverted commas of being able to resolve in tie at home in the return leg.
What is the situation with Mono Burgos?
We've known each other for 25 years, he's a friend, we've spent 10 years working together and when he thinks the time is right to say what he's going through, he will.
Cavani's family is keen for him to join Atlético...
The only thing that concerns me right now is the Copa del Rey, we live for the day-to-day and results. I don't make comments about footballers who aren't with us.
Simeone, a big fan of VAR
There's no VAR in the Copa, do you prefer it that way?
No, give me VAR any day of the week - it allows us to clearly see any mistakes - after that, people can tell us whatever they want but it shows up mistakes. Without it, you don't get to see errors and it all ends up in the air - those in favour versus those against... I'd rather have VAR because I'm sure it brings more justice - and before it, there was less justice.