"We expect a packed stadium with a lot of enthusiasm"
Diego Pablo Simeone appeared before the media prior to the first match of the year, this Saturday at 16:00 against Levante at the Vicente Calderón.
The coach spoke about the news of this Christmas, the signing of Fernando Torres. Simeone wished for a: "Happy New Year for all. We hope for a year filled with peace, health and lots of energy to work in all of our areas. I'm happy because we're still getting a sense of belonging. And above all, we keep improving with the characteristics that Fernando has which he will bring to the team, to work on the common goal of the Club. It's an important arrival and a nice moment for him. He comes to a team that is working together for some years. We need him to give us a hand with all his enthusiasm, with all his effort, talent and passion. We want nothing more. We think about the footballer so we talked a lot with Miguel Ángel, Caminero, Andrea and Enrique and I think he will add to a team that is very competitive. He will have to try and show his best to compete with Raúl, Mandžukić and Griezmann and that will make us all better."
The coach wanted to talk more about this week's rival, Levante, than the signing of Torres. He said that, "it's normal that you more eager for the arrival of Fernando, but we are not thinking about Madrid, we're thinking about Levante. I go back to the great match we played in Bilbao in the 2nd half, with the reaction that the team had and to starting strong tomorrow against a difficult team. Levante is a tough team and knows what they play at. We have a lot respect for them. Especially for those teams who know what they play at, Levante is a very practical team. We need to give our best and approach the match like second half of the Bilbao game to make it a good match."
Simeone acknowledged that, "Arda will play. He's alright. Tomorrow, we expect a packed stadium with a lot of enthusiasm. We hope to remain strong in the place that has given so much joy to this team the last year. We hope that people are going to be there because we need them."
On the importance of signing Torres, Simeone noted that, "only the sporting aspect from me. I can't imagine a different situation because I don't have any obligations to anyone. Just as we did everything we could to bring back Diego Ribas last year because it was absolutely necessary, but he couldn't fit in at the level that we needed, to play as we had imagined. I always think of the player. Hopefully, Fernando can give us everything he has and, above all, compete. We have Raúl, Jiménez, Mandžukić and Griezmann. Internal competition will be good and if it is good one, we will all benefit."
