´I don´t care what they think of me´ – Simeone not bothered about criticism from fans

Diego Simeone does not care what Atletico Madrid’s fans think of him following their Champions League exit, insisting he is only focused on the future.

The Rojiblancos crashed out of Europe’s premier club competition with 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, in which Yannick Carrasco missed a late penalty.

Third-placed Atleti also trail LaLiga leaders Real Madrid by eight points ahead of a trip to Cadiz on Saturday.

While Simeone acknowledges he needs a response from his side this weekend, the Atleti head coach does not concern himself with the opinions of supporters over his future.

“I feel that we have to play a great game tomorrow, that we have to continue working and giving everything since we arrived,” he stated.

“I don’t think about anything other than what lies ahead. ‘I don’t care what they think of me,’ said a great Spanish writer, I think the same. This does not end today.”

Simeone

This goes on and tomorrow we have a very important LaLiga game. pic.twitter.com/RZmx8mnRB8

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 28, 2022

Simeone says his players must not dwell on their Champions League failure.

“Everything goes ahead,” he added. “I still think that the team is doing well, finding what identifies us in the game and being strong.”

The Argentine would not be drawn on video footage of Joao Felix that appeared to show the Portugal international partying in the aftermath of the Leverkusen game.

“I have nothing to say about his private life,” he added. “If I have something to say I would say it to him. I’m not talking about anyone. They are internal things.”