Simeone hails Sorloth impact but still wants more from Atleti striker

Diego Simeone says striker Alexander Sorloth has met Atletico Madrid’s expectations in his first season, but he is still hopeful the Norwegian can deliver more.

Sorloth has scored eight goals in 18 league games for Atleti since arriving from Villarreal, though he was benched when they went top of LaLiga by beating Osasuna 1-0 on Sunday.

He had scored in back-to-back league matches before that game, including a 96th-minute winner in their 2-1 victory at Barcelona and the only goal against Getafe.

“They all know where they are, it’s about the collective and not the individual, and another important thing is the quality of minutes played,” Simeone told reporters as he previewed Wednesday’s Copa del Rey tie at Elche.

“Every time Sorloth came on from the bench, he was phenomenal, and when he started, he helped us.

“He is giving what we expected from him, and we hope he gives more.”

Simeone confirmed defender Clement Lenglet will likely miss the clash with second-tier Elche, where he expects his senior players to take the lead.

He said: “There’s Koke, Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel and [Antoine] Griezmann too, and having them around is priceless for a coach.

“They train as if they were kids just starting out, and that energy rubs off on their team-mates.

“We work by talking openly, being honest about our needs, and recognising their importance to the team. I have no doubt they are ready to compete.”

Simeone, who has been managing Atleti for 14 years and has guided them to two LaLiga titles and two Europa League crowns, has overseen a new club-record winning streak of 14 games.

He downplayed his achievements as he said: “I don’t live off praise or criticism. I know my worth as a coach and the common goal I share with the players.

“When I find people who are compatible, like the four players I mentioned, that’s true happiness for me.”

Atleti visit Leganes in LaLiga three days after their Elche trip then host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on January 21.