Simeone: "It was very important to win today"

Diego Pablo Simeone analysed our team’s win against Rayo Vallecano (3-1) in the League’s 20th round. The Argentinian explained what he was looking for with his approach: "For this match, it was important to have legs in the midfield, to retrieve the ball on the basis of their possession game and that would allow us to have Griezmann, Mandzukic and Arda less worn out."

Atlético’s coach acknowledged that today’s match "was important for the duel that exists between Sevilla and Valencia which is important because perhaps we can make the difference in the fight we have with them. We needed to win."

Simeone highlighted the performance of Antoine Griezmann, author of two of the goals: "Griezmann has been growing greatly. He is the player we need beyond goals and assists. What I value most is his ability of sacrifice which is going to make him a better football player."