Diego Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid, ended his press conference this Saturday with a blunt "Better keep quiet, ciao," after being asked about the challenge of competing for LaLiga with Real Madrid and Barcelona, considering factors like the two-match ban for Vinícius Júnior following his red card and reaction in the match against Valencia, or the precautionary suspension on the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor at Barcelona.

Simeone on Competing with Barça and Madrid

The journalist asked whether the recent case of Vinícius and the situation at Barcelona could serve as examples to argue that Atlético is not on equal footing with the Spanish giants. Simeone’s answer was clear:
"Nothing. Better keep quiet. Ciao," he said, ending a press conference that was largely focused on the provisional registration of Olmo and Pau Víctor, among other sports-related discussions, including the Atlético being touted as potential 'winter champions' if they beat Osasuna this Sunday.

The Challenge for the Squad and Simeone's Decisions

Simeone also strongly supported Atlético de Madrid's statement on the players' registration issue: "We absolutely agree with that statement," he said and reflected on the power of journalists:
"You all are very powerful as journalists. The press and public opinion don’t always agree with what happens. As coaches, all we have to do is keep working, looking for the best for our team, and wait for the people who need to handle the issue to do it in the best way."

On the Match Against Osasuna

Regarding the upcoming match against Osasuna, Simeone analyzed his opponent: "It's a team that attacks with a lot of people, coming off games where they didn’t deserve to lose or draw. They always have an important push in every match, with courage in their play," he said. He also assured that Atlético would aim to take the game "where we think we can hurt them."

Simeone emphasized the importance of having a full squad for the upcoming challenges: "We need everyone. Absolutely. Many games are coming, and we will rotate, because I can’t imagine anyone playing four games in nine days," he pointed out.

Koke and the Importance of Veterans

Finally, Simeone spoke about Koke Resurrección, who has been a substitute in seven of the last eight matches: "What gives me peace of mind is his fullness, his desire, his enthusiasm, and how important he is for us when we need him," he said. He also added that, despite internal competition, like with Pablo Barrios, they would need all players, including the more experienced ones like Axel Witsel and César Azpilicueta.