Diego Simeone appeared before the media after Atlético de Madrid’s elimination in the Champions League semifinals and was satisfied with his players’ European campaign despite the pain of the defeat.
The Argentine coach acknowledged that Arsenal was better in the decisive moments but highlighted the level shown by the red and white team throughout the entire competition. “To our people and our players, applause. We have had a very good Champions League, we gave our best and we went much further than was normally expected. A shame,” Cholo stated in statements to Movistar.
Simeone also analyzed the details that made the difference in the two games against the Gunners. “In the first leg we had situations to score and we didn’t. Here in the second half we improved, we got more into the game, we played in their field and we had chances”.
“All those small details that sometimes come in our favor, this time we didn’t have to have them”said the coach, who also congratulated Arsenal on their classification. “We congratulate Arsenal, they competed well, they have a team and a coach that I like. They follow a coherent line of work with a very important economic potential that allows them to compete like this,” He expressed with sportsmanship.
When asked if he has the strength to try to reach a Champions League final again, Cholo was honest and concise. “Not now. Certainly not now.”responded the Argentine coach, revealing the emotional weight it means for him and his team to be on the verge of a final that Atlético has been chasing for years without being able to achieve it since 2016.