Pre-match comments: “We must learn from Chelsea defeat”

Rarely during Diego Simeone’s time in charge of Atlético Madrid has his side been outplayed as much as it was on Wednesday evening against Chelsea, and the Argentinian is keen to learn from the defeat ahead of Saturday’s game against Leganés.

An abject performance from Los Colchoneros in their first European game in the Wanda Metropolitano is followed by a less glamorous trip across town to Butarque tomorrow night, a game the manager says is important to win.

“We lost against a better team on the night in Chelsea, and we have to learn from our mistakes,” Simeone said in Friday’s press conference. “It is a difficult game against a team that is competing well with a coach who knows how to read games well.”

Leganés are currently flying high in seventh place, just one point behind Real Madrid, after an impressive start from Asier Garitano and his team. “They always bring a strong performance, and we will have to look at how we can cause them damage. They’ve only conceded three goals so far.”

Simeone is right, their strong start has been based upon a strong defence and that was underpinned by an assertive victory in the Canaries last week over Las Palmas. With Filipe and Lucas ruled out of Saturday’s encounter by injuries picked up against Chelsea, Simeone said either Sime Vrsaljko or Juanfran will fill in on the left side of defence.

Meanwhile, Leganés boss Garitano said his side will have to make very few mistakes in order to get anything out of the game. “We have to compete in every game, but we are far away from the level where Atlético are,” he said. The match kicks off at Butarque at 20:45 CET on Saturday.