Simeone admits Chelsea were the better team after Champions league exit

Simeone admits Chelsea were the better team after Champions league exit

Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Stamford Bridge in the 2nd leg of the Round of 16 ties. Chelsea qualified into the quarter finals of the Champions league at their expense as Simeone’s side lacked grit and determination over both legs.

Simeone’s tactical error in the first leg, where Atletico were guilty of playing too defensively never helped them revive. Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side played a perfect game at home and did not allow the Rojiblancos any chance of getting back into the tie.

Simeone subbed off Suarez and the Uruguayan was visible angry at the decision

Diego Simeone, who is never shy of admitting his mistakes explained that Chelsea deserved to win as they were the better team overall. Atletico’s midfield and attack never looked in sync throughout the whole 90 minutes which made the task easier for the Chelsea defence.

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“In the tie they were fair winners,” Simeone said post-match in comments carried by Diario AS. “The first game was even and today they were superior. We tried to pressure them high and make it difficult for them to get out, but they went ahead again.”

Atletico Madrid players confront the referee after Savic’s red card

Simeone was dismissive when asked about the penalty shout Atletico had in the first half. “I’m not looking for excuses,” he said. “They were better. When the rival is better, you have to congratulate and reset yourself to think about La Liga again.”

Simeone introduced a number of changes in the 2nd half looking to add impetus to their attacking play. The most interesting was when he subbed Suarez off for angel Correa. The Uruguayan was visibly displeased with the decision.

At his post-game press conference, Simeone said of Suarez: “It’s normal that he got angry when he was taken off, players want to stay on. We wanted a new way to attack them so we made changes.”

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