Simeone: Griezmann Can Change the Course of Any Match
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has praised forward Antoine Griezmann’s contributions this season as the La Liga title race intensifies.
The Frenchman has scored eight goals and provided eight assists in the league so far, ahead of a crucial home match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
“He is a player who can change the course of a match; he is very important to the team,” Simeone said. “The more he can help us, the bigger boost he gives to the squad. We hope he continues in this form. We need him, and he must stay focused on tomorrow’s game.”
Atlético currently sits third in the table, just one point behind leaders Barcelona, while Bilbao is in fourth place, five points adrift of Atlético. However, Simeone played down the significance of Saturday’s clash.
“There are still many matches left. When you think a game is decisive, it often isn’t—though it is, of course, important. We need our fans more than ever,” he said.
He also emphasized that the team is managing the pressure of a packed schedule well, as they prepare for their 40th match of the season against Real Sociedad.
“We try to recover in the best possible way, balancing the workload between those who have played the most minutes and those who have played less,” he added. “Our full focus is on Athletic, our next opponent. We cannot lose concentration. Over the past 14 years, our physical conditioning has always been one of our greatest strengths.”
