Simeone hails Atletico substitutes' impact in comeback win
Atletico Madrid rallied for an impressive comeback win against Sevilla on Sunday, with Diego Simeone pleased with his substitutes' impact.
Diego Simeone praised the impact of Atletico Madrid's substitutes after his side rallied to a ninth straight win in all competitions with their 4-3 win over Sevilla.
Atletico came from 3-1 down in the second half thanks to Simeone's substitutions, including the introduction of Brazilian winger Samuel Lino, who equalised at 3-3 before Antoine Griezmann sealed the comeback in the 94th minute.
Simeone's side have now won 12 points from losing positions in LaLiga this season, more than any other side in the division.
With Atletico sitting third on 35 points, one point behind Real Madrid and just three behind leaders Barcelona, Simeone pointed to the performance of substitutes as key to making his side a title contender.
"The team is working very well as a unit. It makes me happy when those who are waiting enter into the match well because that's the strength to stay in the game," Simeone told a news conference.
"They have all played since we started [the season] and they have played quite a lot, almost all of them. Some have made better use of the chances they've been given, others are trying to improve to get more.
"Lino's goal makes me happy because he's been looking for it. Today, he scored an important goal for the comeback, and hopefully it will give him the confidence he needs.
"Today the team made me very happy with the reaction they had with the substitutions."
Atletico's talisman and all-time top scorer Griezmann bagged a double, taking him to seven goals in LaLiga this season, earning praise from his coach.
"He wasn't playing well in the first half, but with little, he had already done a lot," Simeone said. "In the second half, I think he improved. The fourth goal came, and well, we love him a lot.
"He's a guy who has always given absolutely everything to Atletico Madrid."
Atletico have not lost since a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on October 27. However, despite their fine form, Simeone remained cautious about the challenges they will face over the course of the campaign.
"In a long season, with so many games, with LaLiga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, there are many games, and obviously we are going to have to go through different stages," he added.
"The most important thing is to be strong and to make sure that these situations do as little damage as possible."