Simeone quashes talk of negativity in Atleti camp
Diego Simeone has dismissed claims of negativity surrounding Atletico Madrid as it prepares to face Real Sociedad in LaLiga after a resounding 4-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Benfica in midweek.
Los Colchoneros are unbeaten in LaLiga after eight matches, winning four and drawing four, sitting five points behind leader Barcelona, ahead of the trip to La Real.
However, they were trounced by Benfica in their second match in the UEFA Champions League, the first time Atleti had shipped four goals in a UEFA Champions League group-stage game since October 2020, when it los 0-4 at Bayern Munich.
"I don't think that there is a negative climate. I believe our atmosphere is good and we are working towards the team we want to have," Simeone said.
"There are players who arrived in the last days of the transfer window, and they are acclimatising.
"From our position, we need to help them adapt as quickly as possible so the team can take shape swiftly. I don't see that as negativity at all."
Atletico bolstered its squad with new signings Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez ahead of the new campaign, and Simeone is still waiting for his players to gel.
"I didn't see the team lacking commitment or intensity, but rather a lack of creative play and resources ... Let's see if we can win against Sociedad," Simeone added.
