"Suarez testing positive? It was always a possibility"

COVID-19 is more prevalent than ever before. The world of football is not immune from this terrible virus. 

At Atletico Madrid, both Luis Suarez and Lucas Torreira will be out because they tested positive. Simeone was asked on whether protocol was broken, but he was non-committal: "It's not for me to give my opinion on that. On the positive cases, we're part of society and this is something that can happen. We'll have to play other footballers. Let's hope both recover as soon as possible. We're in a situation where it can happen to any of us," he pointed out. 

On Suarez's absence, Costa could occupy his position. "Of course he has chances of being a starter. He has returned to the group, he has played some football and he's good, he's fit to play and obviously we'll have him in mind for the start," he said.

He warned how difficult it would be to face Barcelona, but he is confident of getting a positive result against them: "Every match is an opportunity and, obviously, this is one. We'll try to make sure we can play the game how we want to play it. They are quality opponents, a squad which is being freshened up, but they have experienced youngsters of an exceptional standard. It will be tough."

Simeone made it clear that he does not think the current controversies at Barcelona will affect them. "The best thing about Barca is that they can score goals and I don't think what's being said off the field will affect them, The most important thing is what happens on the pitch," he said. 

The Atletico boss was asked whether he sees Joao Felix as Atletico's Messi, but he avoided comparisons, "Joao is Joao. He grows every day and he excites us because he's very good." 

Lastly, Simeone was asked on Messi's angry response to comments made by Griezmann's uncle: "I have lots of affection for Griezmann. It wouldn't be right to give my opinion on what's happening at a club like Barcelona. Those questions are for Koeman. He'll say what he thinks he needs to say," Simeone concluded.