Simeone urges respect for officials after Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid

Diego Simeone called for greater respect towards referees and fellow managers after Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid in the Spanish league derby.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had criticised the referee following the match, but Simeone said coaches with high profiles had a responsibility to choose their words carefully.

“Regarding Mourinho’s criticism of the officials, we respect everyone’s opinions, but we must remember that Flick, Mourinho, Pellegrini and Simeone all have a special standing and are widely known as managers,” Simeone said at his post-match news conference.

“That means we have to be careful about what we say. We must respect the referee and our colleagues.

“When you go beyond that limit of respect, regardless of your status – Mourinho, Simeone, Flick or Pellegrini – it is unacceptable. You cannot cross that line.”

Simeone said Atletico had controlled much of a match in which they limited the attacking threat of their city rivals.

“It was an intense game and I believe we controlled it throughout,” he said. “Real Madrid are a team with incredible attacking transitions and exceptional players, but we controlled most of their opportunities.

“I am proud of the collective effort from the team.”

The Atletico manager added that his side had identified weaknesses on Real Madrid’s right flank before the derby.

“We knew where their weaknesses were. We knew they were on the right wing, but regardless of the situations some people want to discuss, we will continue working to improve the team,” he said.

Simeone declined to dwell on the match’s dismissal incidents, saying the referee had judged that they did not warrant a red card.

“I do not usually comment because the game is already over,” he said. “The referee said it did not deserve a sending-off. If we want to discuss it, that is fine, but then let us focus on it. We won the match.”

He also stressed the importance of Julian Alvarez to Atletico, while saying the club would support the striker after a difficult period.

“We need Julian Alvarez. He is an essential player,” said Simeone. “We have wonderful people here, and there are no words to express our gratitude for everything he has experienced as a player and a manager.

“When you give everything, people appreciate you. Julian tried, it was difficult for him, and we will get him back.”

Simeone praised Jonathan David for providing Atletico with an important competitive edge.

“I am very happy for Jonathan. He gives us the competitive advantage that allows us to compete as far as possible,” he said.

Asked whether the derby victory could prove a turning point, Simeone said the league season remained a long one.

“The league is very long, and that is positive for the team because it is still growing,” he said. “We must keep working and remain alert. Look at Koke – he came on in the second half and was magnificent. These are examples of Atletico.

“We are focused on each match individually and aiming to achieve our objectives.”

The win moved Atletico Madrid to 16 points in second place, five behind leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid remain third on 15 points.

Alex Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored Atletico’s goals, while Antonio Rudiger replied for Real Madrid. The defeat was Real Madrid’s second of the season under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, following their loss to Real Betis.