Simeone hints towards Atletico rotation
Diego Simeone insisted “everyone must be ready” in his Atletico Madrid squad as it looks to climb up the LaLiga table.
Atletico hosts Osasuna in its next league match before difficult away trips to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League and Real Betis in LaLiga.
It is already eight points behind rival Real Madrid at the top of the league, and currently trails Barcelona by six.
When asked about Matteo Ruggeri’s lack of minutes, with the defender starting just once in Atleti's past six games, Simeone was adamant that players must be ready to play whenever called upon, and in any position needed.
“Matteo Ruggeri's playtime? From the first match until now, there have been many changes because of injuries and suspensions,” Simeone said.
“He played well in the [UEFA] Champions League. Everyone must be ready.
"[On Nico Gonzalez playing at full-back] His qualities allow him to play in several positions.
“He has the ability to offer different options, and we’ll always decide based on what the team needs.”
Atleti has collected just 13 points from its first eight games in LaLiga this season, its lowest tally at this stage of a campaign in the competition since 2011-2012, when they finished fifth.
It has also dropped 11 points from winning positions in the Spanish top-flight this season, more than any other team in Europe's top five leagues.
