Simeone wants relief after poor Atleti start
Diego Simeone is seeking relief from Atletico Madrid's poor start to the season and is hoping it can earn its first victory of the LaLiga season against Villarreal on Sunday (AEST).
It is the worst start Atletico has made to a league campaign under Simeone, having drawn with Elche and Alaves since an opening-day loss to Espanyol.
It means Atletico sits 17th on the table after the international break, having failed to build on what looked to be a promising transfer window.
The pressure has been piling on the Argentinean boss, especially with the start of his side's UEFA Champions League campaign against Premier League champion Liverpool approaching next week.
"Winning would be a relief, that's the reality, the way I see it," Simeone said. "I would feel relieved; the responsibility is huge.
"Over the last 14 years, we have built an enormous legacy, and we must maintain it. I am in a position where I am the most closely watched person, and I have to accept that."
Villarreal is unbeaten so far this season, with two wins and a draw under its belt, and it sits third on the table, above defending LaLiga champion Barcelona.
Simeone is under no illusion about the tough task ahead, but believes his team has what it takes to cause Villarreal problems.
"We've tried to identify the mistakes that prevented us from scoring more points," he added. "And we've tried to intensify our work in that area.
"That was the most important part. Players arrived with their national teams tired, in pain.
"We hope they can be in the best shape for the match.
"They [Villarreal] play a very defined style, very tight, allowing them to counterattack with speed down the wings. With our weapons and tools, we want to hurt our opponents."
