Diego Simeone appeared before the media ahead of his side’s match against Athletic Club. Questions were asked about João Félix after Marca announced his desire to leave Atlético.
João Félix departure
“I am going to be very clear in the same way that I have explained it to João. I want to win with Correa, with João, with Griezmann, with Cunha, with Morata. When we won La Liga he had an incredible year until he got injured and I ended up playing Correa. In the second season he started playing against Osasuna, he did very well, he responded with goals, he gave everything for the team, and he played until he got injured.
“In the following season, he had a good pre-season, beyond his injury. And now, when his performance dropped, other team-mates started playing. Because I think João is the same as Correa and the others. As soon as he’s back in training, works hard, gets among the goals, which we need, he’s going to play. But as long as I’m here, he’s going to be judged on performances. Every time he’s been in good form, he’s played.”
On possible bullying
“The team is doing very well and the reality is different. And the reality is that there is a coach who chooses the best players according to what he sees. Do you think I don’t put João Félix in to lose? No coach does that.”
On João Félix
“He’s a fantastic kid… He gets on well with all the team-mates.”
Why can’t you get 110% out of him?
“Yes, I’m finding it more difficult and it’s an issue I have to resolve with myself, to demand more of myself to get the most out of João until the day he’s ready.”
GSFN
