Filipe Luis: "The team has grown under Simeone"
The player is living a good moment. Just been called back up Brazil in the week where the renewal of Simeone’s contract was announced. Filipe Luis welcomes the continuity of the project.
Luis Filipe appeared before the media after training on Thursday. And he did it after having received news of his latest Brazil call up, along with teammate Diego Costa. He talked about this and of course the renewal of coach Diego Pablo Simeone.
The red and white fullback said "continuity is important to us. We know that we are in a club with a good project, in a club that is again fighting for big titles. With clear ideas. The coach has conquered everyone with what he represents and what he has done since he arrived as coach. He has renewed but is still winning titles and having a great campaign, he never lets his guard down for a second. He knows how to live for football. For those who will come next year and for those who may be thinking about leaving, having the gaffer here is a very good thing for the project."
The collective successes brings personal success. Simeone has brought a winning dynamic
It was highlighted the need for continuity. "Knowing and having worked with him, I've grown as a player and my peers alike. The team has grown and will continue with the same intensity, desire and strength. The team grows every game and hopefully I can be with him over the years because we have contracts until the same year. To play under him I have to play well every game. The coach has no obligation to anyone, that's good for the team," he said.
However, the Brazilian relaunched praise his coach because "the team is good, second in the league, in the Cup final, so he deserves the credit. On a personal level, I do not like to talk because a player does not win a match only. The collective successes brings personal success. Simeone has brought a winning dynamic and everyone is having personal success with the national teams and in other areas."
When asked what Filipe Luis has improved since joining Atletico, he was in no doubt, saying "now I'm complete. I have to defend well every game. If I defend badly once, I’ve done a bad job. I know what the coach wants, we know well and have a spectacular deal with all that's good for us. On a personal level I have improved, I defend better but we must continue. Everyoen has grown under Simeone."
Not wanting to make long-term goals. Filipe understands that "the goal is the game against Real Sociedad. We are all completely focused on this game. We are studying very well the opponent and playing good football and that is helping us have a great season. Winning against Real Sociedad will allow us to stay up the top."
Regarding the call up for Brazil, with the novelty of Diego Costa, he said "The call up makes me very happy. I know it's very difficult to stay in a group. With great humility I will try to stay there, always fighting and trying to take every opportunity. And, regarding Diego Costa, it was clear he had to play. Right now he could play in any team in the world. He is a player that gives a lot to the team both defensively and offensively. Thankfully he was not lost to Spain because Spain already a very strong and Diego Costa would have made them stronger. He his better with us and can help us."
