Simeone sidesteps complaints over Vinicius ban: Espanyol

Simeone sidesteps complaints over Vinicius ban: Espanyol Diego Pablo Simeone spoke at the press conference ahead of Espanyol vs Atlético de Madrid. He confirmed that Koke and Cardoso are unavailable. Simeone's comments 📸 Angel Martinez - 2026 Getty Images The team's current form "There is always room for improvement in every area. Winning five matches doesn't mean you're doing everything really well. There is always an element of luck. We have things to improve defensively and offensively." Partnerships on the flanks "These partnerships develop over time. On the right too, with Giuliano, Marcos and Barrios, and Marc when he plays there. Grimaldo gives us a lot going forward, allowing us to attack through the middle and out wide. He's a winger playing at full-back. We're helping him develop defensively, and he wants to improve that side of his game." Competition for places and the possible starting XI "We won't have Cardoso or Koke available tomorrow, which is why we have a strong squad. The end of the season will show just how important that is. We're still a work in progress. All these situations mean we have to manage playing time, but always with the aim of winning matches." Manolo González and his future "I rate him as a coach. They've always competed very well under him. Last season they started very well, couldn't maintain it, and finished strongly. They know how they want to play, and when a team knows how it wants to play, that's down to the coach. They're doing well and have scored a lot of goals. They're a very well-drilled, very competitive team, and we've always found it tough at that stadium." Koke and his absence "He's going through what we all go through when we lose a family member. He also had some discomfort in his leg, and we decided not to take him tomorrow. He's a strong lad and will get through this difficult time alongside his family, who are a lovely family." Pablo Barrios' potential "Hopefully all the praise won't weaken him. Pablo is a very important player for us. Ultimately, players are judged on the pitch, and that's what matters." Suspensions for Vinicius and Iker Luque "Espanyol" Managing the squad "When you're at a strong team, these things happen. You have to be ready. When the coach calls on you, saying you haven't been playing much or haven't been playing at all is no excuse. We always work on everything in training: fitness, technique... You're at Atlético de Madrid, and you have to be ready when your turn comes." This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.