Simeone Responds to Ancelotti and Ceballos

Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético Madrid, has addressed recent comments by Carlo Ancelotti and Dani Ceballos, emphasizing his focus on his team's performance rather than external opinions. The remarks followed Simeone’s earlier comments about Real Madrid’s style of play, sparking responses that referenced Atlético’s past defeats to Real Madrid in Champions League finals.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Simeone clarified his stance: "I respect all opinions, but I prefer to focus on my team. When individuals are part of Real Madrid, their perspectives naturally align with the club. However, it’s interesting to note how those views shift when they represent other teams."

Turning his attention to the upcoming Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen, Simeone outlined his strategy. "We are prepared for a high-stakes match. Every detail matters in these games, and our focus will be on executing our game plan effectively," he stated. He also addressed concerns about penalty decisions after Antoine Griezmann missed a crucial spot-kick in a recent match. "Penalty responsibilities are decided by me and based on the situation during the game," Simeone asserted.

Simeone praised Griezmann’s contributions to the team: "Antoine is a key player for us. His versatility, creativity, and work ethic elevate our performance. He remains a crucial part of our strategy moving forward."

The coach also shared his thoughts on the evolving Champions League format: "The expansion of the tournament introduces new challenges but also opportunities. It tests our consistency and adaptability. We embrace these changes and remain focused on achieving our objectives."

As Atlético Madrid prepares for their critical clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Simeone’s measured responses reflect his determination to keep his team grounded and focused on their goals, regardless of external distractions.