Simeone wants improvement despite winning run
Diego Simeone insisted that Atletico Madrid's six-game winning run does not overshadow the need for improvements ahead of facing Real Valladolid this weekend.
Atletico is now 15th in the UEFA Champions League table after its 6-0 victory over Sparta Prague in midweek, its biggest ever away winning margin in a major European competition.
That triumph at Stadion Letna made it six consecutive wins in all competitions, and Simeone will be confident of keeping that run going at Valladolid.
Atletico has won six of its past seven LaLiga away games against Real Valladolid, drawing the other, recording one more victory than in its previous 20 visits to the Blanquivioleta's home ground in the competition.
Despite winning four of its past five games in LaLiga, Simeone insisted that his team is not at the peak of its powers just yet.
"It was not so bad before and not so good now. Extremes are never good and everyone can have their own opinion," Simeone said.
"We have a competitive team when we win and when we lose, even if there are bad moments that we always have to go through. The team is improving and growing.
"The basis is that those who come in are doing very well, not just the eleven who start.
"We can improve in all facets, defensively and offensively, we have to find stability and find the best version of each one of us.
"I am happy with what is happening to the team, but I know the responsibility we have."
Simeone has also not lost any of his 12 matches as Atletico boss against Real Valladolid in LaLiga. Only against Getafe has he managed more matches without losing in the competition.
Simeone's side sits third on the table, five points behind leader Barcelona after 14 games so far this season.
Atletico has shown signs of replicating its 2020-2021 LaLiga success with its performances this term, especially in defence, having conceded just eight times which is the fewest in the division.
But when asked if he felt like his side was currently better than the two teams ahead of it on the table, Simeone said: "I don't compare myself to anyone.
"We look at ourselves and try to improve and grow as a team every day, regardless of what happens to everyone else."
Real Valladolid has lost 13 of its past 14 matches against Atletico in LaLiga, drawing the other match during this period.
It is the second-worst winless streak for Valladolid in the top-flight after a 16-match run against Real Madrid between 2009 and 2024.
Although Paulo Pezzolano's side is at the bottom of the table, Simeone insisted that his players must not underestimate it.
"They're a highly competitive team, they always play with great commitment and great collective behaviour," Simeone said.
"Very intense, higher than in the last few games we've played."
