Simeone stung by Atletico’s impotence
MADRID — Diego Simeone defended Atletico Madrid’s cagey style as another profligate performance left his side on the brink of an early Champions League exit after Tuesday’s 1-1 home draw with 10-man Qarabag.
Back-to-back draws against the Azerbaijani champion, making its debut in the competition, mean Simeone’s side has to beat Roma at home and Chelsea away in its final two games and hope Qarabag performs more miracles to progress to the last 16.
Atletico’s major problem in recent months has been finding the net, with one statistic highlighting its lack of cutting edge — the most attempts on goal (32) of any side in the Champions League this season for the reward of a solitary goal.
Simeone’s teams have always been noted more for their resolute rearguard, but even on defense Atletico is struggling.
Club captain Gabi claimed Atletico had lost its “calling card” after conceding again from a set-piece as Michel headed Qarabag into a firsthalf lead — the seventh time Simeone’s men have conceded a headed goal this season.
However, Simeone — who recently renewed his contract until 2020 — defended his style of play.
“We have always played the same way,” said the fiery Argentine.
“In the past six years we have won 30 or 40 games like this and the only difference is when you score a goal people talk about strength and spirit and, when you don’t, they see the negative part.”
Atletico has paid a heavy price for a FIFA ban on registering new players, meaning club-record signing Diego Costa and Vitolo can’t play until January.
That investment now looks questionable with Atletico, at best, poised to drop into the Europa League, barring an unlikely combination of results.
“I believe you get what you deserve,” added Simeone
“We have to try to beat Roma and then destiny will decide if we deserve to continue or are eliminated.”
Atletico rallied in the second half to level through Thomas Partey’s superb longrange strike.
The host had the advantage of an extra man for most of the last half-hour after Pedro Henrique saw red for a dangerous late challenge on Diego Godin.
However, despite being hemmed in, Qarabag survived as Godin, Filipe Luis and Nicolas Gaitan wasted golden opportunities to earn Atletico’s first win in the group.
“What hurts most is that we don’t have matters in our own hands, that is the cruel reality,” said Gabi.
“We have to try and beat Roma and hope Qarabag are capable of holding Chelsea.
“At the moment we are out. We have a chance but it is very remote.”