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Chelsea 1-1 Atlético: Simeone tries to look on the bright side after CL exit

Thoughts from Simeone and players after being eliminated from the Champions League

Chelsea FC v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Champions League Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

After a 1-1 draw against Chelsea and Roma defeating Qarabag FK, Atlético Madrid are now eliminated from the Champions League. Diego Simeone as well as the players tried their best to look on the positives after the match.

Diego Simeone

His view on the match:

“I’m proud of my players and the team. We showed that we’re a competitive team."

The players gave it their all and continuously tried to find the winning goal.

“We were looking for the winning goal until the end, even though we knew Roma was winning. I’m proud of the players. This will help us grow.”

On the fans at Stamford Bridge:

“The fans were cheering us on the whole match.”

On being sent to the Europa League:

“We didn't fail. This sort of thing can happen. They gave it their all to win and try to go through until the last minute. We're fine.”

“What's important is to be decisive. You need to score. We only lost one game [in the UEFA Champions League], in the 93rd minute. No excuses – we'll be rated at the end of the season.”

“I'm going to motivate the players for the UEFA Europa League as I would for a friendly, a La Liga game, a Copa del Rey game. When you wear the Atletico shirt, you don’t need additional motivation.”

“It's now a new challenge for us. New dreams to fight for.”

His response on of he had been involved in the decision of Diego Costa not traveling with the team:

“Yes because I am the manager and I make the best decision that I think is right for the team.”

Jan Oblak

On the match and the road ahead:

“We have to pick ourselves up and think about our upcoming match. In the league, Copa and Europa League we’re going to fight until the end.”

Saúl Ñíguez

On playing in the Europa League:

“Now, we have to think about our next match and then later, the Europa League with enthusiasm. It’s a good competition.”

On the fans at Stamford Bridge:

"Wherever we go, our fans are always there with us. In the good times and the bad, they cheer us on."