LALIGA
Diego Simeone has surprising view on Mbappé to Real Madrid
The Atlético Madrid coach spoke with AS in Seoul and discussed LaLiga chances, Griezmann, João Félix and more.
Diego Pablo Simeone was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, back in 1970, and has been a major force in world football over recent decades. He arrives at the meeting with AS closing his sweatshirt, as the air conditioning in Seoul is very much on. He pitches up with Gustavo López, his trusted man who sits to his right, and with a green tea in hand.
Simeone opens up on LaLiga, Mbappé, Griezmann...
The first week of Atlético Madrid’s preseason tour, entirely in Seoul, has provided plenty of play, with little time to get bored at the luxurious Conrad Hotel. Cholo likes what he sees, he is enthusiastic about Riquelme and Lino but is somewhat concerned about the transfer market, like every summer. He talks about all this, the past and what is to come throughout more than 45 minutes of the interview. And some big name came up...
Morata and Memphis future
When asked about Álvaro Morata’s future with the club, Simeone said that it depends on both the club’s decision and Morata’s choice. He praised the player’s contribution to the team, highlighting his unique characteristics as a striker and hoped that he would stay with the club and continue to score goals for them. And in terms of linking up with Memphis Depay, the boss wasn’t committed.
“We tried it with Costa and Morata, also with Costa and Suárez although they weren’t together much... It can be tried. The matches are different, sometimes I like a pair with power like them, we would have to see how to support them.”
What next for João Félix?
When questioned about João Félix’s future at Atlético, Simeone emphasised that the team’s focus is on the collective rather than any individual player. He appreciated Félix’s efforts and abilities and believed in his potential for success at the club.
“I already said that there is no one more important than the club, no one,” Simeone stressed. “He has extraordinary abilities, we have talked about it a billion times. It’s not up to me, ask him and his agent.”
On the topic of potential signings, Simeone stated that the club would wait until the transfer window’s closing to decide whether to bring in new forwards or not. He also expressed admiration for young talents like Riquelme and Lino, praising their playing abilities.
The Griezmann bond
Regarding Antoine Griezmann, Simeone conveyed his strong bond with the player and his desire to see him perform at his best. He credited Griezmann’s humility and hard work for winning back the fans’ affection after his return to Atletico.
“We have a great relationship, I love him as a person and as a footballer, but I want him to play well. Beyond affection, there is a demand. Just as he demands plenty from me, we demand him to continue at this level that he has, where he is the one who makes the team play, who manages the flow. He gives us a lot.”
Mbappé joining rivals Madrid
One of the biggest stories of the summer has been the possible move of Kylian Mbappé' to Real Madrid, something that Simeone seemed excited about, believing it would enhance LaLiga’s competitiveness.
“I would love it, it would be extraordinary for the League,” the Argentine said about the prospect. “So that he can continue to be one of the best. All footballers who arrive in Spain enhance it. Madrid has no financial problem to afford him. Surely if it is not this year, we will be competing against him next season.”
Mbappé or Haaland?
Comparing Erling Haaland and Mbappé, Simeone noted that they are different players.
“They are different. Haaland is an animal in front of goal, he is perfection in that ‘9′ role that lives facing the goal. The growth of Man City was to recover what his game demanded of him. Haaland had to arrive to secure the Champions League. Sometimes it’s not enough just to play well.”
And on how Mbappé could make it harder to win in Spain...
“It depends how you look at it,” the coach says. “We have won the Spanish league against Messi, Iniesta, Alexis, Xavi, Busquets... Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema... It’s football, not names.”
Madrid or Barça?
Asked to choose between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Simeone acknowledged the growth of Barcelona under Xavi, emphasising the importance of having players with specific characteristics to build a strong identity for the team.
“I love how Barça has grown with Xavi. It was not easy when he arrived, everything looked strange, but he gave them an identity.
“Players with character are always needed and he had the opportunity use them, looking to Lewandowski, which is what City were after with Haaland, what Madrid is looking for with Mbappé. Winning is not easy, you have to have good players, but these are the ones that end up solving situations.
“Madrid, after years of being more careful in signings, returned to bringing in players and they always choose well, especially with guys like Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius who went through the youth academy. With a big investment, they have focused on guys with a huge future, they have brought in Bellingham, with Mbappé still to come... Solid bets.”