"We have to show we're alive"

Diego Simeone is focused on his team's future, not the past. During the press conference ahead of his team's clash against Granada, he was asked about the recent elimination of both Madrid and Barça in the Copa del Rey, but the coach refused to comment on the matter. "I'm very respectful of all the teams and I don't think about situations that don't affect us, we just think about improving." 

Simeone has a clear objective: to work to show everyone that Atletico can achieve what it wants. "We have to get out of this negative dynamic and show that we're still are alive," he continued.

All the games Atlético has left are important for the coach:  "We have all finals, and a challenge in LaLiga, with teams that are very good".

However, Simeone is only thinking about the next match. "We're not going to go beyondm we go at ut match by match. I can't imagine anything other than the fans understanding the situation of the team and the team understanding the situation of the championship."

Granada, who did manage to reach the semi-finals of the Cup, will be their next opponents. "I've always said that winning is always good for your ego and Granada is in this situation. They deserve the moment they are living, they had a fall in November, but now they have recovered points in LaLiga and are playing good football," said Simeone.

He also took the chance to praise Koke, the team captain. His injury has been noted in Atletico's numbers and the Argentinean said he was returning to the pitch soon: "He's coming back, we'll see if it's his turn to start or go in later."

"Talking about Koke is like talking about the footballers who have been here since I arrived, he was 21 years old. He's shared our whole process. He's a very important player, tactical, technically different, he sees a lot more than the others and when he's on the pitch, the team has more opportunities to create goal chances," he continued.

He is also optimistic about Diego Costa's recovery, who underwent surgery on a herniated disc. "He joined the group this week. He's getting hooked, he's got desire and enthusiasm. The doctors will confirm he can come back when appropriate. It's a dream to have him around and, when he comes back, we'll have a player who brings us a lot," he said.