Simeone lauds Griezmann´s impact as Atletico eye crucial Bilbao clash

Diego Simeone showered praise on Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann’s standout contributions this season as his side eye a first LaLiga title since 2020-21.

Atletico sit third in the standings, one point adrift of leaders Barcelona ahead of facing fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao at the Metropolitano Stadium this Saturday.

And their title charge has been led by Griezmann, with the Frenchman notching 13 goal involvements (eight goals, five assists) in the top-flight so far this season.

Griezmann has also created more chances (36) than any of his team-mates in LaLiga this term, further highlighting his importance to the team at the age of 33 years old.

He has also scored 14 goals in 35 appearances against this weekend’s opponents in all competitions, his most against one team in his professional career.

“He’s a game-changer, extremely important to the squad. Every time he can help us, he gives the team an extra boost,” Simeone said.

“We hope he continues this way. We need him, and his focus should be on tomorrow’s match.”

As the title race intensifies, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico themselves all in with a shout, any slip-up could prove costly in each team’s quest for the crown.

Atletico have stumbled somewhat in recent weeks, dropping points in two of their last three home games (W1 D2), having won each of the previous six.

Simeone, however, played down the significance of Saturday’s clash against a side he has not been defeated by in his 13 home matches against them (W11 D2).

“There are many matches left. When one thinks it’s decisive, it isn’t, although they are important, clearly. We need our fans more than ever,” he said.

Atletico’s meeting with Bilbao kickstarts a run of five games in 15 days across all competitions, including their huge Champions League round of 16 tie with rivals Real.

This weekend will be Simeone’s side’s 40th match of the season, but the Spaniard said that his players are handling the pressure well and staying strong.

“We are trying to recover in the best way, with divided work for the players who have played the most minutes and those who have played less,” he said.

“We focus on Athletic, our next opponents. We don’t lose focus.

“We’ve always worked very well. In the previous phase of these 14 years, if there was something that stood out as a strength, it was the physical aspect.”