"Whistles? I feel strong"

The number six made clear that he is going to continue working his socks off for Atletico. "I'm calm, I want to keep on working, this has just started, I'm strong and I want to help the team," he said. 

"If I'm affected by whistles? I'm going to continue as I've always done, as normal. There are a lot of people who support me," Koke continued. 

He understands, that said, that he cannot be liked by everyone. "Even though there are people who don't agree with how I'm playing, I have full confidence in myself. Atletico and the coach have faith in me and many people too. I'm going to keep on working as I've done up to now," he stressed. 

Simeone stuck up for him after the match. "Aragones, Caminero, Kiko... we have all been whistled," the manager said after the whistle from a section of the club's support. 

Koke also has the squad on his side. "This is a team. When someone is not in their best form, we support each other. We are a family," he highlighted. 

He sent a message to those who think his level has dropped. "That is their thinking. I work to try and help the team to win games," he said. 

Koke does not think there there is division amongst fans. "I saw the Atletico fans singing throughout the whole match against Bayer Leverkusen. They supported us, which in the end is the most important thing and they help us especially at home to get the job done," he opined. 

Lastly, he called for unity. "It's the time to be together as we have always been. There are a lot of expectations, but we basically have a new team, We have to do it all amongst everyone. We are three points off the La Liga leaders and one step away from the last 16 in the Champions League. People want us to be up there and playing well, but we do not stop thinking about playing game by game," he concluded.