"Atlético should finish as high as possible, with and without Simeone"

"Consistency is something to be celebrated. We've been in third place for a few years, in second place for a few years, we've also been champions. And that's what Atletico should always be. That's what they have to fight for. It's their history, with and without Simeone," he said emphatically. 

'Cholo' would have loved to fight for the title, but that doesn't take away from a good season for his side. ""There are still 9 points in play as we look to finish second. We live each game in the same way. We're looking forward to playing Espanyol. All of us who compete seek to reach the top, to be first. What logic dictates is that if you can't finish first, it's better to finish second", he continued.

Turning to another matter, he spoke about next season. Atlético will have to build something of a new squad as multiple players look set to leave. Simeone admitted it won't be easy, but assured that he is excited by the challenge. "After having a relationship with a person for seven years, it won't be the same with any new arrivals. But it's going to grow as relationships do," he said.

"We have to be prepared with people who have been here seven years and people who come to earn a place with fresh enthusiasm," he made clear.

One of those who is leaving is Diego Godín, who has already signed a contract with Inter Milan. ""I don't think it would be appropriate to speak in Godin's place. We love him very much, he gave us and gives us his life in every game that he plays for us", Simeone restricted himself to saying about Godín's future.

Keeping to his philosopy, Simeone didn't want to look too far to the future. "It's too soon. It wouldn't follow our plan to think past the game against Espanyol. When the season is over, the management will start looking and thinking".

"At the end of the season we will see whether or not there is a change of cycle. Until then, we can't say much more. We focus on Espanyol to try to be as close as possible to Barça," he concluded.