Antonio Lopez was given the responsibility of conducting the first press team on the preseason training camp in Los Angeles de San Rafael. After touching down at the training base in Segovia, the side was made available to journalists to review the activities of the club.

The player wanted to convey the optimism of the staff on the work being done in the build up to the start of the season: 'In every session we are doing well and are convinced that we will be 100% ready for the Europa League', he said.

In addition, the side is confident that the absence of players for international commitments will not affect the results. 'Atlético de Madrid always has very good players. All of us believe we are very capable of facing the challenges”, he added.

To back up the argument he gave the example of the departure of De Gea: 'All good players are noticed but also other new players come up to fill those places. De Gea is gone and Sergio is recovering from injury. At the moment I do not know if he will be ready or not. He looks in good shape to me. We also have Joel and there are people in the academy too'

The captain is sure that Gregorio Manzano, the new manager will be a success at Atlético de Madrid: 'Everyone I have spoken to speak very highly of Manzano, he comes with new people, they know what football is and what goes on in the changing room. I’m sure they will do very well'

Finally, the captain praised Kun Agüero and said the squad hopes he’ll rejoin the club after the Copa America: 'Every team wants to have a man like Kun. I’ve not played with many players of his quality. Today he is an Atlético de Madrid player and we’re waiting for him with open arms. I’m sure he will not have any problems with the fans, they’ll be behind him'.