Simeone assures Atletico are still a work in progress

Diego Simeone said his revamped Atletico Madrid side are still a work in progress and going through a transition period as their new signings settle in.

After spending more than €200million reinforcing the squad with signings like Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand after a trophyless campaign.

Atletico have started LaLiga with two wins and two draws, and Simeone said the team are going in the right direction, and he was not concerned with results as ups and downs are expected.

Coming off the back of an international break, Atletico are fourth in the LaLiga standings, four points behind leaders Barcelona.

“We will face a difficult task in LaLiga, especially in the beginning of the season, until our team find their rhythm, reach the form that we know we [can] achieve,” Simeone told a press conference on Saturday.

“We have many new players that have joined the team, something that has not happened in the last two seasons. But I’m not changing the objective. I’m still hoping for the best results.

The wait is over. Atleti is back pic.twitter.com/6Fq4JysMZK

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 15, 2024

“It would have been nice if the new guys were around here, but obviously the national teams call and everyone needs to go for two weeks.

“Our task here is to try to make them feel at home as quickly as possible so they can blend in and perform at the level that we all want.

Simeone said having too many players was a good problem to have and that he was not worried about choosing a starting 11 as he will rotate his team during a busy schedule, with seven games between LaLiga and the Champions League in the next three weeks.

“I see the group with enthusiasm, they all want to play and earn their space in the team and are working hard for that,” Simeone added.

“It’s difficult to choose who to play, but the number of games ahead allows me to have fresh players available, coming in with a lot of energy and desire.

“I like to think game by game, and it doesn’t take me any further away from Valencia. Yes, we have new players around, but I’m not changing that mentality and our objective, which is still hoping for the best result, game by game.”