“This Atleti will be different, but won't lose its essence”

Diego Pablo Simeone gave his last press conference before the beginning of la Liga and Atleti’s opener against Las Palmas. Atlético begin the new campaign as a team to watch, the most exciting alternative in la Liga.

How does the team look coming into the Liga debut?

We've only really had half a preseason because we were searching for players, the new signings are integrating into the side and are learning what we’re looking for in the game. We’re very excited to be back in the Calderón, the adrenalin pumps, the expectations begin and we’re looking forward to seeing the stadium full again. There’s a lot of enthusiasm.

Is this the best squad you’ve had?

Reading the squad list you can see some important names, a lot of young players like Vietto, Óliver, Carrasco or Koke, Griezmann although they’re already regulars, but that’s important. We want to do everything we can not to lose the essence of the team and be up for what each game asks of us. There is some beautiful competition, particularly up front, their different strengths give us options. I’m going to look for an eleven and a bench that gives me solutions.

Do you know tomorrow’s 11?

Oblak, Juanfran, Godín, Giménez, Filipe; Koke, Gabi, Tiago, Óliver; Jackson and Griezman will play.

Were you pleased by what Gabi said?

It’s logical that a captain feels like that. There’s expectation in the dressing room. I’m focused on the pitch, take it game-by-game and don’t look too far ahead. Tomorrow is the first game and we have to start to prove it.

Has the option of playing Koke in the middle lost its momentum?

He played there in the first preseason game and in the second half at the Carranza too. It’s an alternative that we have and it depends on the fitness of his team-mates, of Gabi, also on the opposition and on what we’re looking for in each game which determines how we play.

Are you expecting any reinforcements in the midfield?

That’s the club’s job, we’re open to whatever happens, we’re very happy with the squad and if we get anyone in he’d be welcome. If anyone leaves, I hope it’s the best for the player.

Can you compete with Real Madrid and Barça?

We focus on the day-to-day, on what might happen tomorrow, being careful with the counterattacks from Las Palmas, on the threat from dangerous players like Araujo. We concentrate on what we have today, a team with different traits that can’t lose its essence, and to compete every time we play.

Is the level of football in Latin America very far from the European game?

You have great players in every part of the world. We look for certain characteristics to strengthen our team, whether it’s Correa, Vietto or Jackson, it brings competition.

What do hope for from Jackson?

We always ask players to work hard and compete with team-mates so we can compete with other teams and to do what they’ve always done. The same as Falcao Adrián, Diego Costa, Mandzukic.. We try to play to each striker’s strengths that we have in the group.

What does Godín’s renewal mean?

It means that Godín stays, Felipe returns, that Juanfran, Koke, Griezmann stay.. It gives us a base, it shows you what we’re trying to do here, it gives me more strength to keep the club going in the right direction. It’s hard to find commitment and here we have committed players. Hopefully we can keep Godín, Koke, Raúl, Torre etc for a long time.

Has Öliver’s moment arrived?

I spoke with him when he came in. With Arda leaving he’s taking on a big responsibility, what I think is as a footballer he has all the ability to perform and show what he can do. We believe in the vision he has on the pitch, his tenacity and adaptability, he can play in different positions and he’s also strengthening his defensive game. It would be a shame not to give the academy players a chance