Atlético de Madrid played to a thrilling 4-4 draw at Montjuïc against Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. In a match full of emotions, Simeone's team managed to react when it seemed the game was slipping away from them. With the draw, the tie remains open for the return leg at the Metropolitano.
One of the red-and-white leaders, Josema Giménez, analyzed the match. Besides showing self-criticism, he defended Cholo Simeone, making it clear that the team continues to firmly believe in their coach.
Josema Giménez: "They Scored Four Goals on Us, I'm Worried"
The Uruguayan center-back did not hide his concern after a match in which Atlético de Madrid conceded four goals. Although he highlighted the team's ability to react, he was blunt in his analysis.
"Satisfied, satisfied no, I'm a defender, they scored four goals on us, I'm worried. The other part is happy to know the drive we have as a team, the strength we all have as players. We showed again that the one who comes in is as important as the one who goes out in the second half. That is our strength, to keep working, to correct the mistakes, and to continue on the path of this work and humility, which is what leads us to success."
Despite the defensive fragility shown in some parts of the match, Giménez wanted to highlight the team's character. They never gave up and managed to equalize in the final moments with a goal from Sorloth, leaving everything to be decided in the return match.
Total Defense of Simeone: "He's Our Guiding Light"
Amid constant criticism and rumors about Simeone's future, Josema Giménez wanted to make it clear that the locker room continues to support the Argentine coach. "He's a coach everyone knows, they've seen him many times. They've written him off many times, and we, who work with him, realize that he's someone who reinvents himself every day."
"He knows what he has and works with it, it bears fruit, we follow him because he's our guiding light. If we all go in the same direction, pursuing the same goals, there's no way to beat us." The Uruguayan center-back made it clear that the squad fully trusts Cholo, whose intensity and work continue to be key to the team's performance.