Diego Pablo Simeone reviewed the current state of affairs at Atlético de Madrid as they get closer to the match against Rayo Vallecano. The red-whites are visiting Vallecas after six games without knowing defeat and with good dynamics since the start of the season. The victory against Leipzig further strengthens the team's morale for what is to come, which will be tough matches.
The first match of this week-long tour around the Spanish capital includes a visit to the Avenida de la Albufera, where they won 7-0 for the last time. The Buenos Aires coach understands that the match will be very different and has stood up for one of his most criticized players, the right-back Nahuel Molina Lucero. Simeone was his great supporter and he trusts in the talent and virtues of the player from Embalse.
In the last match against RB Leipzig, some of the red-white fans whistled in disapproval after Nahuel Molina's substitution, accusing the coach of favoritism. The Atlético coach therefore did not hesitate for a moment to defend Molina. It hasn't been an easy start to the season for a world champion like the Argentine.
Llorente is at a Great Level
"Honestly, I told Molina the other day: He came back from his games with the Argentine national team much better," explained Simeone. He was candid about his current view of the footballer from Córdoba, whom he sees doing better since he returned from his last international draft in his country. Marcos Llorente's great shape has prevented him from being a starter and having more minutes, although he had a good performance against the Germans.
"Marcos is doing very well in that sector, but I saw him doing very well in the match against Colombia, given the heights and heat there," he said. In Colombia, the Argentine team, which lost 2-1, had to play under unbearable weather at 59 feet above sea level. For this reason, the coach highlighted part of the competitiveness that his compatriot brings to the Americanand world champion team.
Simeone praises Molina
"Nahuel did very well in all the games he came on in this last stretch. For me, in the other day's game, when he entered the field, he did very well: he gave us vitality, he gave us energy, he gave us depth," he explained. This shows clear support for a footballer who is sometimes unfairly criticized by some sectors of the Atlético fans.
"He gave us the situations he handles best, which are the offensive ones, and we are waiting for that player because we have him and we absolutely believe in him," said Diego Simeone during this match. There is no doubt that the coach has all the confidence in the world in his player and he could even be one of the new additions to the eleven for Vallecas.