Diego Simeone has chosen not to comment on the controversy surrounding the four-match suspension of Vinicius, Atletico Madrid's Brazilian striker, for a gesture against an opponent. The decision, which will prevent the player from participating in the next Clasico against Barcelona, sparked strong reactions from Real Madrid, but the Argentine coach responded briefly and directly: "Espanyol". With this response he closed the circle, focusing attention on the championship and not on the disciplinary dispute.
The context is that of a team approaching its goal of continuity in La Liga. Atletico enters the match against Espanyol with four consecutive victories, but Simeone reiterated that "winning five games does not automatically mean you are doing everything right". He underlined the need to constantly improve both defensively and offensively, highlighting that the advantage on the pitch is fundamental but not sufficient. The coach therefore maintained a cautious profile, avoiding entering into political discussions or commenting on Real Madrid's protests.
As for Espanyol, Simeone praised the team as "organised and competitive". He defined the club as a team that plays clearly, that produces many goals and that has a coach who has contributed significantly to its identity. Despite the historical rivalry between the two teams, Cholo recognized the value of the comparison, underlining that the match is historically complicated for Atletico.
Vinicius' suspension, which prevents the Brazilian from playing in the next Clasico, was contested by Real Madrid, but Simeone decided not to enter into discussions about how the club's protest could influence the disciplinary committee. Instead, he wanted to focus attention on the next championship match, highlighting the importance of maintaining concentration and discipline on the pitch.
With the match against Espanyol scheduled for Saturday, Atletico are aiming to consolidate their position in La Liga, while Vinicius' suspension remains a talking point for football authorities. The Argentine coach closed the dialogue on the topic, focusing attention on the imminent result and the need to continue improving in every aspect of the game.