Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media before the final game of the UEFA Champions League’s league stage against Bodø/Glimt at the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
When asked if he was surprised by concern over the lack of incoming transfers, Simeone responded, “that’s a question for you to answer among yourselves because there is so much anxiety and we are at this point.
“Anything can happen until the last day, we are prepared for anything to happen, arrivals and departures,” he said. “When the window closes, I hope it will be to the benefit of the team and the club, which is what matters.”
Diego Simeone on if there’s any truth that he’s clashed with Mateu Alemany over signings
Simeone on fans demanding a landslide victory
“I understand the need to chase results, numbers, goals. But the only reality is that we have to play the game we believe we can win and not depend on others, that has to be clear. It will depend on us if there are results that can benefit us, but we have to get a good result and then it will depend.”
Simeone on Bodø/Glimt beating Manchester City
“Not just the win against City, but how they’ve been competing. They’ve had some very difficult games, they’ve played very well away from home, they competed very well in Dortmund, they beat City, they know what they want, with a very quick transition game where they find their number 10, who is their best player. They are a team that plays well technically, knows how to play, and we will have to take the game to where we think we can do damage.”
Simeone on the Champions League format
“The feeling is great. There was always a need to win, but now even more so. Not repeating games and playing home and away against anyone makes for a spectacular show. And the Champions League is a spectacle, as we’re seeing in the last round of games, because the teams at the bottom want to stay in it and the teams at the top want to qualify for the round of 16, so it’s going to be an exciting night in terms of what might happen in the race to be among the top eight.”
Simeone on Enrique Cerezo being happy with transfer business done
“I’m happy where I am.”
Simeone on competing against anyone in the Champions League
“We competed very well last season and we’re doing well this season. Now the most important moments are coming up, tomorrow’s game and whatever we may face in the round of 32 and the round of 16, and last year we did very well.”
Simeone on Thiago Almada’s form
“He’s playing at a good pace. He’s always had chances to score when he’s played, he’s always assisted with his vision, we need his defensive work, and I think there’s a nice competition with Baena because of his characteristics, which are different from Nico’s. His growth is good for the team.”
MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 27: Nico Gonzalez of Atletico attends a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 match against FK Bodo/Glimt at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images) Europa Press via Getty Images
Also selected to address the media was on-loan winger Nico Gonzalez, who spoke about his future and a potential permanent move from Juventus.
Nico on reaching the top eight
“First, it’s going to be very important to win. After that, the results we’re hoping for won’t influence us; we’re focused solely on winning and working with the humility we’ve been showing, on trying to get that positive result.”
Nico on advice for Julián Alvarez
“I couldn’t give Julián any advice. He’s a top player, hard-working, humble, and these are just streaks in football. I’m absolutely certain that he’s stronger than anyone else and that he’ll come out of this negative streak, and I’m sure we’ll be able to celebrate together.”
Nico on Simeone wanting more goals from midfield
“It’s work. I think you train to improve. Obviously, we can contribute a little more, but we’re getting positive results. Everything flows, including on the defensive side. We’re very good as a group, and that influences us to get positive results. Then it doesn’t matter or influence us whether the goals are scored by forwards, defenders, or midfielders. We know how we want to play.”
“I like that question, but obviously since I put on this shirt I wouldn’t want to let it go, but it depends on me, on the coach, and I’m going to work for it and to achieve the goals and dreams I have set for myself. With time, if things go well as I hope, it can happen.”
Nico on knowing the team needs to score
“The team knows it has to win. We’re going to work with humility, which is paying off. We need to stay calm, focus on winning with patience and intelligence, and if we have to wait for results, we’ll do it. But our goal is to win.”
Nico on checking results elsewhere
“That’s part of football. We can’t focus on other games. (Bodø Glimt) are a strong team that’s coming off a win. We can’t relax. We have to keep working the same way and get the win at home.”
