Diego Simeone identifies Barcelona’s biggest advantage after Atletico defeat: ‘They deserved to win’

Diego Simeone identifies Barcelona’s biggest advantage after Atletico defeat: ‘They deserved to win’ Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone refused to criticise his players after his side suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Barcelona in La Liga, insisting that the performance deserved credit despite the disappointing result.  The Argentine acknowledged that his team successfully troubled Hansi Flick’s side for significant periods but admitted that Barcelona’s greater decisiveness in front of goal ultimately made the difference. Simeone also discussed Atletico’s substitutions, the physical demands of the contest and Julian Alvarez’s contribution.  Simeone refuses to blame his players after Barcelona defeat Despite losing at the Metropolitano, Simeone was keen to emphasise the positive aspects of Atletico’s performance.  He explained that his players had executed their pressing strategy effectively, particularly by targeting areas where Barcelona were uncomfortable in possession. “I’ll take away an extraordinary performance from the players; I have no complaints. We put the opposition under pressure in an area where they weren’t comfortable. “We lacked the cutting edge we’ve shown on other occasions, and they’re a very confident side who were able to capitalise on the chances they created.” Simeone says Barcelona deserved to win. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) When asked whether Barcelona deserved the victory, Simeone offered a straightforward assessment rather than disputing the outcome. “Yes, it’s fair because they scored two goals and we scored one.” The Atletico manager also rejected the suggestion that physicality alone had determined the result, instead pointing towards the influence of players introduced from the bench. “I don’t know if it was down to physicality. It was more about whether certain players coming on from the bench could have made a better or worse impact. “Overall, the match went the way we wanted it to; we had that chance with Baena and Sorloth, whilst they didn’t have as many – they did have possession, mind you – but I’m leaving feeling pleased with the team.” Atletico substitutions and Barcelona’s second-half response analysed Simeone acknowledged that he always expects substitute players to make an immediate difference, although he recognised that the circumstances of a match can limit their influence. “You always want those coming on to make an extraordinary impact. Sometimes the match or the opposition doesn’t allow for that, and I’ll take away the fact that we tried to do well.” Julian Alvarez had many eyes on him throughout the match. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) For Simeone, against opponents with Barcelona’s attacking quality, failing to convert promising situations can prove costly, particularly when the momentum shifts during the second half. “Against a strong side, matches have their phases; we had 50 good minutes, which were our time, and then came the opposition’s time, when they were more decisive than us.” Simeone on Julian Alvarez’s performance after Barcelona defeat Another important subject during Simeone’s post-match press conference was Julian Alvarez’s performance.  Despite the forward not getting on the scoresheet, his manager highlighted several contributions and made it clear that he remains central to Atletico’s ambitions. “He put in a crucial performance, getting involved on three occasions as well as providing the assist for Giuliano.  “In the second half, he had that chance where he tried to chip the ball over the keeper, the cross to Baena – what more could we ask of him? “We all wish that goal had gone in, but we’ll wait for him; we need him because if we want to get where we want to go, we need him – otherwise we won’t get there,” he concluded.