Simeone defends Atleti's style after battling win over Betis

Diego Simeone is squarely focused on continuing Atletico Madrid's club-record undefeated stretch in La Liga.

Published : Dec 11, 2017 00:51 IST

 Diego Simeone  pointed to an impressive recent run of results in response to fresh questions over Atletico Madrid's playing style.
Diego Simeone pointed to an impressive recent run of results in response to fresh questions over Atletico Madrid's playing style.
lightbox-info

Diego Simeone pointed to an impressive recent run of results in response to fresh questions over Atletico Madrid's playing style.

Diego Simeone pointed to an impressive recent run of results in response to fresh questions over Atletico Madrid's playing style.

Atleti was restricted to just 26.1 per cent of possession - its lowest for the season in all competitions - in winning 1-0 at an out-of-form Real Betis on Sunday.

Saul Niguez scored with one of the visitor's two shots on target to sew up a third consecutive La Liga victory and extend their top-flight unbeaten run to a club-record 19 matches.

And with his side back into third ahead of rivals Real Madrid, Simeone was unconcerned by the manner of the performance.

READ: Rojiblancos make history to assuage Champions League pain

"The football is good and the results are better again," Simeone said at his post-match press conference.

"We like to continue with this way of playing against Real Madrid or in London. Today, Betis forced us to find a few ways of playing.

"Our players allow us to have tactical variety and that is where the strength of the team lies."

Despite closing, at least temporarily, to within three points of leaders Barcelona, who face Villarreal later on Sunday, Simeone was hesitant to stoke talk of a title challenge.

"We won't stray from taking it game by game. To reach our objectives, we have to continue [on this path] daily," he said.

Dumped out of the Champions League in midweek, Atleti's next assignment is a visit from Deportivo Alaves next Saturday.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment