Simeone proud of Atletico Madrid despite difficult few weeks

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone was proud of his team’s efforts in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at home to Barcelona despite a 1-0 defeat on Wednesday, meaning they lost 5-4 on aggregate.

Having also been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, a six-match winless run has seen them drop back in the LaLiga title race as well – they trail the leaders by nine points.

Simeone, though, said he was content with his team’s performance.

“The team has competed very well so far, in the Champions League we have competed very well, in the cup too,” he said.

“We are having a good league season and we will continue, approaching it match by match. We are trying to keep improving to get closer and closer to the teams above us and to accept the place we are.

“I have no other thought than to continue with the same work, focusing on continuing in the best way possible in what is ahead of us in LaLiga, with our focus on Sevilla who are our next rival.”