Diego Simeone Expresses Pride Despite Atletico Madrid’s Champions League Elimination
Diego Simeone displayed his trademark fighting spirit despite Atletico Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League following their 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid. Although visibly disappointed, the Argentine coach took pride in his team’s resilience and effort throughout the competition.
“I’m leaving proud of my team. We competed enormously in a very difficult competition like the Champions League, and that gives me the certainty that I have a team of men,” Simeone said in comments relayed by L’Equipe. “We can play well or badly, but I’m grateful to have these players.”
Simeone acknowledged that his team struggled to create meaningful opportunities during the match, but he was quick to give credit to Real Madrid for their performance. “We weren’t able to combine in any meaningful way, and that’s the opponent’s credit,” he remarked. “But on the pitch, you have to compete. When you leave the skin on the pitch, you leave happy. When the team works like today, there’s nothing negative.”
The Atletico manager, who guided the team to the Champions League final last season, also praised Real Madrid for their play and the decisive goal they scored. “There was a great opposition, congratulations to the opponent who played well and scored a nice goal.”
Simeone’s words reflect the pride he has in his squad, even in the face of a tough defeat. Atletico Madrid may have been eliminated, but their fighting spirit and commitment remain undeniable.