Simeone: Atletico ‘growing’ but must improve despite winning run

Diego Simeone insisted that Atletico Madrid's six-match winning run does not overshadow the need for improvements ahead of Saturday's clash with Real Valladolid.

Atletico now sit 15th in the Champions League after their 6-0 win over Sparta Prague in midweek, their largest ever winning margin in a major European competition.

Their triumph at the Letna Stadium made it six consecutive wins in all competitions, and Simeone will be confident of keeping that run going this weekend.

Atletico have won six of their last seven LaLiga away games against Real Valladolid (D1), registering one more victory than in their previous 20 visits to the home of the Blanquivioleta in the competition (W5 D7 L8).

And despite winning four of the last five games in LaLiga (L1), Simeone stressed that his team are not yet at the peak of their powers.

“It wasn't that bad before and it's not that good now. Extremes are never good and everyone is allowed to have their own opinion,” Simeone said.

“We have a competitive team when we win and when we lose, even though there are bad moments that we always have to go through. The team is improving and growing.

“The basics are that those who come in do very well, not just the eleven who start.

“We can improve in all facets, defensively and offensively, we need to find stability and find the best version of each of us.

“I'm happy with what's happening with the team, but I know the responsibility we have.”

Simeone has also not lost any of his 12 games as Atletico boss against Real Valladolid in LaLiga (W11 D1). Only against Getafe (G23 W19 D4) has he played more games without losing in the league.

6 goals

6 wins in a row pic.twitter.com/iMCTyXSdjd

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish” >@atletienglish) November 27, 2024

Simeone's side are third in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona after fourteen games so far this season.

Atletico have shown signs of wanting to repeat their 2020/21 LaLiga success with their performances this season, especially in defense, after conceding just eight times, which is the fewest in the division.

But when asked if he felt his side are currently better than the two teams ahead of them in the table, Simeone said: “I don't compare myself to anyone.

“We look at ourselves and try to improve and grow as a team every day, regardless of what happens to the others.”

Real Valladolid have lost 13 of their last 14 matches against Atletico in LaLiga, with the other match in this period drawn.

It is the second-worst run without wins for Valladolid in the top flight after a run of sixteen games against Real Madrid between 2009 and 2024 (D2 L14).

Although Paulo Pezzolano's side are bottom of the table, Simeone stressed that his players should not underestimate their opponents.

“They are a very competitive team, they always play with great commitment and great collective behavior,” said Simeone.

“Very intense, higher than in the last few games we have played.”