Simeone calls for Atletico evolution
Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid always has to evolve to maintain its status as one of LaLiga's title contenders.
Atletico was most recently champion of the Spanish top flight in 2021, and finished third last season, eight points behind city rival Real Madrid in second place.
It has had a busy transfer window in a bid to close the gap on Madrid and reigning champion Barcelona, with the likes of Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardozo and Thiago Almada joining.
Atleti launches its LaLiga campaign with a trip to Espanyol on Monday (AEST).
It will be the start of Simeone's 15th successive season in Atletico's dugout, a streak only bettered by four coaches in LaLiga history; Ferdinand Daucík (18), Javier Irureta (17), Miguel Munoz and Jose Luis Mendilibar (both 16).
"You always have to evolve," Simeone said. "The team must continue to grow at the same pace as the club.
"The players are good, but they will have to prove it on the pitch. Then, we will be where we deserve to be."
Simeone hopes his signings quickly adapt to their new surroundings, but hinted at the possibility of changing Atletico's style of play in order to accommodate them.
He also suggested former Villarreal winger Baena could be utilised as a second striker in his system.
"Changes are always good as long as they respond to what is needed," Simeone added. "I don't know if the word is change, I would say improve.
"[Baena's] done very well and may start there in that position. Where I see him least is as a winger. We understand that it's better to continue along these lines."
Espanyol narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, securing its top-flight status with a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas.
A run of five straight defeats had plunged the Periquitos into danger, and Manolo Gonzalez will hope to steer them well clear of the bottom three this time around.
