Simeone confirms two absences, praises Grimaldo
Diego Pablo Simeone reviewed the state of his squad ahead of a trip to Espanyol. Koke and Johnny Cardoso will miss the match, while Simeone highlighted Grimaldo's progress, his connection with Baena, and the key role of Pablo Barrios. He also discussed internal competition and possible rotations.
Atlético de Madrid
Koke and Johnny Cardoso, confirmed absences
Koke4.600.000€+140.000€10
MD
Johnny Cardoso2.730.000€+260.000€7
MDDiego Pablo Simeone confirmed that neither Koke Resurreccion nor Johnny Cardoso will be available for Espanyol.
«Tomorrow we are not going to have Johnny Cardoso, we are not going to have Koke Resurreccion», he said.
About Koke, he explained that he is going through a difficult personal moment due to the death of a family member and that he is also carrying leg discomfort, so they have decided not to call him up.
Grimaldo and Baena, a connection that convinces
Grimaldo8.140.000€+180.000€15
DF
Álex Baena13.350.000€7
MDThe coach highlighted the good understanding between Alejandro Grimaldo and Álex Baena, especially thanks to the attacking options they offer on the left flank.
«Grimaldo gives us a lot offensively, he allows us to attack from the inside, attack from the outside, he is a winger playing as a full-back», he explained.
Simeone also noted that Grimaldo still needs to improve defensively, although he was pleased with his adaptation and development.
Pablo Barrios, a key piece for Simeone
Pablo Barrios6.870.000€+590.000€3
MDThe coach had especially positive words for Pablo Barrios, whom he considers one of the team's important players.
«For us, Pablo Barrios is a player who is very, very important», he said.
With the absences of Koke and Cardoso, Barrios becomes even more important in the rojiblanco midfield, although Simeone did not expressly confirm his starting role.
Giuliano and the race for the XI
Simeone also pointed to the partnerships being formed on the right flank, mentioning Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Pablo Barrios and Marc Pubill.
Regarding rotations, he reminded that all players must be ready to take advantage of their opportunities, regardless of how many minutes they have played previously.
The coach insisted that the priority will always be to choose the best options to win, without making any concrete changes to the lineup in advance for Espanyol.
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