Atletico easily motivated for Sevilla trip
Atletico Madrid is halfway to a UEFA Champions League semi-final berth, but before playing host to Barcelona for the second leg of their quarter-final tie, Diego Simeone's team must visit Sevilla for a LaLiga clash.
Atletico secured a huge 2-0 win at Camp Nou in the first leg against Barcelona, with Julian Alvarez scoring a sensational free-kick right after Pau Cubarsi was sent off, before Alexander Sorloth came off the bench to extend the lead in the second half.
Given it has little to play for in LaLiga, where it sits fourth in the table and 12 points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, Simeone was asked how he would motivate his players for the trip to Sevilla.
"To wear the shirt we do, to represent this badge, our people, our families and the enthusiasm of the players... There are many reasons to continue game by game," he said.
"For example, Marc [Pubill] started the season without having minutes and today, he is very important for the team. Robin [Le Normand] went through a moment when we didn't see him in the best way and now he is important again.
"I can name more. The players all know it, and I can confirm it. To be in this place, competing in so many games, we need everyone."
Sevilla has, in recent years, been accustomed to battling for UEFA Champions League qualification itself.
But it is currently fighting against the drop, perched in 17th place and just two points above 18th-placed Elche, leaving Simeone, who played for the club from 1992 to 1994, to wish it well.
"Sevilla was an important place in my career, in my life, on my way to who I am," Simeone said.
"I wish them the best and that tomorrow we can play the game we want to play. We need the points and for the season to end in the best way."
