Atlético train with four canteranos ahead of trip to Elche

Diego Simeone addressed the media before Atlético Madrid take on Elche on Wednesday night in the Copa del Rey. At an uncertain time for the team when goals are hard to come by, Simeone said the anxiety caused by Atlético’s lack of results in front of goal only makes things worse.

“Every game is a new opportunity,” Simeone said. “What I am concerned about is the intensity at which we play and how strong of an effort we produce. The goals come at specific moments and we have the players that can take them. We just have to hope the ones that are going out will go in next time!

“When we succeed in doing that, the players will play with a lot more calm,” he continued. “The anxiety does not help with our lack of goals.”

Simeone also confirmed that Augusto Fernández will play a role on Wednesday and that he has been improving at training. The Argentine has not played all season due to a host of injuries and a lack of opportunities based on not being up to speed. But now he is fit again and he could make a huge difference for Atlético and Simeone’s tactics.

“He is an important player when at his best as he has good vision, he’s dynamic, plays between the lines and has personality,” Simeone said of the midfielder.

There might be opportunities for some B players too as Atlético trained with Keidi Bare, Sergi Domínguez, Montoro and Ródenas the day before the game. Simeone said it is important for these players to take advantage of every training session and hope that one of them makes the breakthrough with minutes.