Simeone: "It's hard to see Cristiano at Atlético, just as I don't see myself directing Real Madrid"

MADRID, 17 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The coach of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Pablo Simeone, has assured that the team is recovering "little by little" the defensive "strength" that has characterized it for so many years, in addition to affirming that he sees it as "difficult" for Cristiano Ronaldo to end up in the Atletico team, in the same way that he does not see himself "directing Real Madrid".

"I never spoke with Ronaldo. I explained it very well in the interview, you already saw it. I don't see myself managing Real Madrid, in the same way that, beyond his hierarchy, his ability and his extraordinary goal, it will be difficult to see Ronaldo at Atlético de Madrid," he declared at the press conference prior to Tuesday's LaLiga Santander match against Rayo Vallecano at the Cívitas Metropolitano (9:00 p.m.).

The Argentine coach's clarifications come only a few days after an interview was published in his country in which he indicated that he never considered taking over the services of the Portuguese striker, something that was speculated on last summer. "Why didn't I say it? Because it didn't seem defining to me to say it. People know me. I have quite clear ideas of what I want and I am clear about what is needed in this team," he said.

In another order of things, the 'Cholo' was satisfied by the good defensive numbers of the team with the return after injury of the Montenegrin Stefan Savic and the Uruguayan José María Giménez. "The defensive strength that Stefan and José give us, with the forcefulness of Kondogbia, which balances the entire midfield, is making us live with a game that is closer to what we want to find," he said.

"Reinildo has improved a lot since he arrived, he is in a very important moment; Molina is also improving... That strength that we always had, is gradually taking shape. There are boys who are waiting and who are doing well: Hermoso is training very well and we are not giving him that space. Surely it will be up to everyone to play because there are many games", he continued.

In addition, he insisted that "there are different ways to control football", so he does not want to be tied to a single game system. "We don't close ourselves to a single situation because all games are different and they ask us to observe. We have to strengthen the good things we are doing and continue along these lines," he explained.

"We need all the players, because there is going to be a lot of competition; we need the people who enter to do so with the same enthusiasm as the ones who start. All the teams are in the same situation, with many games, especially those who have Europe , and the only way it can be carried out in the best way is with everyone involved," he continued.

In this sense, he stressed that "the important thing is that the players are well, that they reach their best state and that they can feel comfortable on the pitch and feel important." "The forcefulness helps you; there was no forcefulness on their part, we scored a goal, and that generated confidence, security and more appreciation of the work that the team is doing", he pointed out about the match against Athletic Club (0-1) .

On the other hand, given the load of games, Simeone confessed that right now they are working more on other aspects beyond the physical. "In this part of the season we focus much more on the visuals, on the corrections that we want to make. We must focus on what the rivals do very well," he said.

About Rayo, he assured that it is "another intense team, like Athletic was three days ago". "He has an attack that is one of the best in LaLiga and with a recovery of the ball in which they are the best in LaLiga. Last season he was at a great level for much of the season. He shows no fear, he did very well" , ended.