Diego Simeone admitted that both Atletico Madrid and Lazio ‘started the season negatively’ but highlighted how it’s ‘not how you start’ that matters.
The Biancocelesti have lost three of their first four matches of the new season, only tasting victory in a 2-1 win over Napoli before the international break. Maurizio Sarri’s side have lost to Genoa, Lecce and Juventus.
Atletico have also looked inconsistent in the early stages of the season, picking up seven points from their first four outings. The Spanish side suffered a frustrating 3-0 loss away to Valencia on the weekend.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Simeone first discussed what needs to change following Atletico’s loss to Valencia.
“It was a difficult defeat. We started well, but we didn’t know how to react. I have confidence in the team. Now we have the Champions League, we have to think about this competition.”
The Argentinian coach then touched on Lazio’s poor start to the season and his admiration of coach Maurizio Sarri.
“I’ve always liked Sarri’s game, I’ve always followed him. I also took inspiration from him to improve my team. Lazio defend well, they look for numerical superiority and have dangerous players.
“They’re a team that know what they want, we’ll try to hurt them. They lost to Juventus, but their true face is the one from the win in Napoli.
“We both started the season negatively, but it’s how you finish that matters, not how you start.”
He spoke about how it feels to return to the Stadio Olimpico, a stadium he knows well from his playing career.
“Goosebumps. Everything brings me back to some extraordinary years of my football career. A fan base that has always loved me from day one.
“We won a lot in a beautiful period. I have great memories, I’m sure we’ll see each other on the pitch tomorrow. I thank the fans for all the affection I’ve always received.”
He was asked what he expects from the Biancocelseti supporters.
“In life one has to give without waiting. What the other does is welcome, if they do it. The affection that exists between us goes beyond applause tomorrow on the pitch.”
Finally, Simeone reflected on his days wearing a Lazio shirt.
“We had a great team. With that header of mine (against Juventus in 2000, ed.) I reopened the title race, something never ends if you want it.
“We wanted that Scudetto and we managed to win it. Hopefully tomorrow there will be a lot of fans, it’s nice to see Lazio in the Champions League again.”