Simeone ready to stay on Atleti reinvention path
Diego Simeone says he and his Atletico Madrid team are reinventing themselves ahead of a first home game of the season in LaLiga, against Elche on Sunday (AEST).
Atleti's 2024-2025 campaign started with a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Espanyol, with Simeone's side beaten by a late header from Pere Milla.
Having gone without a trophy in the past four seasons since winning LaLiga behind closed doors in 2020-2021, Atleti has been active in the transfer market over the past few months.
It has made 10 signings, including attacking midfielders Alex Baena and Thiago Almada, forward Giacomo Raspadori and centre-back David Hancko.
Atleti enjoyed a 60.1 per cent of possession and completed 551 passes last weekend, far more than its average of 52.2 per cent and 441 in LaLiga last season, but still came away with nothing.
Asked about his team's new approach, Simeone explained: "I don't know if the word is change, but it is about reinventing oneself.
"I've been here for 15 years, and I always try to reinvent myself.
"I think that, beyond those who have an agenda and only appear in difficult moments, the reality is what it is and there's no need to explain it. The responsibility continues to grow. With the team's work, we are going to compete well.
"Being part of that growth, with the fans, and many people who have worked at Atletico for a long time... it honours us and makes us happy."
Elche drew 1-1 at Real Betis last week, having finished second in the Segunda Division last season to seal a return to the top flight.
"I see them doing very well, just as I expected," Simeone said. "We played a game with many good things and, obviously, also with things to improve.
"I expect an intense game from both teams. They play an offensive, quality game, and that will require us to give our best."
