• News

Simeone admits to Atletico’s attacking frailties after toothless Chelsea loss

Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid
Getty Images
Advertisement

Los Rojiblancos’ chances of progressing in Europe were dealt a blow – albeit a minor one – after the Blues pierced their watertight defense.

Diego Simeone admits Atletico Madrid must improve in attack ahead of the second leg meeting with Chelsea.

Atletico narrowly lost to Chelsea in the ‘home’ leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie, which was shifted to the National Arena in Bucharest, Romania due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Spain.

The La Liga leaders, as usual, had a defensive approach to the match. Not a single shot on target was seen from them until half-time and they managed no attempt on goal in the entire 90 minutes.

The Premier League side, on the other hand, took a total of 11 shots one of which found the back of the net – and in a remarkable fashion as Olivier Giroud scored an overhead kick to give his side a 1-0 advantage.

“We need to have more of the ball and position ourselves better in attack,” Simeone said post-match, via Goal.

“Work, work, work. I trust the team we have. If we were in the month of September and they told me we’ve lost but we’re still leading, I’d sign for it.”

“We are in a difficult moment, it is the reality. More based on the results than what happened on the field. We have to occupy ourselves, work and improve.

“At the moment, the game is difficult. They have an advantage, but I trust my team.”

x