After being knocked out of the Copa del Rey earlier in the week, Atlético Madrid needed to respond against UD Las Palmas in order to return to form. And on Sunday afternoon that’s exactly what they did, running riot in the second half and running out 3-0 winners.

After the match, Diego Simeone and Antoine Griezmann — who opened the scoring — gave their thoughts.

Diego Simeone

On the road ahead and being the right man for the job:

“This season is different because we’ve constantly reinvented ourselves. Some players are restless because they want to play.

“I’m sure this year I’m going to win best manager!”

On his substitutions:

“I took off Koke to find more speed. I thought with Gabi and Saúl, we would be well-compensated [in midfield]. Carrasco gave us more attacking power.

“Las Palmas were attacking well. With Thomas, we were going to have better distribution from the back. Thomas played well and Vitolo did, too.

“We always seek the best for the team.”

On the title race:

“Barcelona are [too] far away, competing very well and it’s difficult to see them losing.

“I told the players that the best way we can continue to reinvent ourselves is to look ahead and depend only on us.”

Antoine Griezmann

On the match:

“We didn’t play well in the first half, but our coach knew how to motivate us during half time. We stepped it up in the second half, created chances, scored three goals and didn’t concede any. So, it was perfect.”

On his recent form:

“I’m feeling good. I started the year off well and hopefully I can keep helping the team with goals and assists. We’re still competing in two competitions and we’re going to keep on fighting until the end.”