Simeone hails Griezmann ahead of Alaves clash
Atletico Madrid is looking to get back to winning ways when it faces Alaves in LaLiga on Monday (AEDT), with Antoine Griezmann likely to play his part.
Atleti head coach Diego Simeone has lauded the Frenchman's continued influence on his side. Griezmann has scored six goals in LaLiga this season, with all of those coming as a substitute.
He started Atletico's 1-0 win over Deportivo de la Coruna in midweek, helping to secure its passage to the quarter-finals with a stunning free-kick.
Atleti is on a three-match unbeaten streak in the league, and if it is to extend that run, Simeone believes Griezmann will play his part.
"What more can I say? It's about adding to the reality and the present," Simeone said of Griezmann.
"He's always a game-changer, with a different level of quality than the rest; talent never fades. We need him.
"How much? It depends on how much the team gives him, the needs that the coach sees in this case, and what he can contribute.
"Because when he's playing well, he always brings important things to the team."
Atleti is fourth in LaLiga, already 11 points behind leader Barcelona, having played half of its games.
It faces Alaves, which sits 16th and has just a two-point cushion to the relegation zone, but that could change by kick-off time.
Simeone urged the home fans at the Metropolitano to do their bit in urging the team towards a win this weekend.
"I take it one game at a time, trying to focus on [Monday's AEDT] opponent with maximum concentration, and from there, we'll focus solely on the match," he added.
"It's a match where we can be back with our fans, who we haven't seen for a month. We need everyone's support; we're eager to play a good game."
