LaLiga: Atletico Madrid Boss Simeone Urges Caution Ahead of Valladolid Clash

Diego Simeone has warned Atletico Madrid to be cautious ahead of their LaLiga clash with Real Valladolid, praising the opposition's competitiveness.

Atletico Madrid's impressive six-game winning streak has injected a significant dose of confidence into the team, but manager Diego Simeone remains adamant that there is still ample room for improvement. As the team prepares to face Real Valladolid in LaLiga on Saturday, Simeone emphasized the need for continued growth and refinement.

Following a dismal stretch earlier in the season, during which they managed only one victory in six matches, Atletico Madrid have rebounded spectacularly, stringing together six consecutive wins in all competitions. The latest triumph was a resounding 6-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the Champions League, a result that has propelled the team upward in the standings.

“It was not so bad before and not so good now. Extremes are never good and everyone can have their own opinion,” Simeone told reporters about his side's marked improvement.

“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.”

Atletico Madrid currently occupy third place in the LaLiga standings, boasting 29 points. They trail second-placed Real Madrid by a single point and league leaders Barcelona by five points. Notably, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have dropped points in recent weeks, potentially opening the door for Atletico to close the gap.

When questioned about whether he believed his team was currently superior to the two sides ahead of them in the table, Simeone adopted a characteristically humble tone, stating: “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.”

While Atletico Madrid may be optimistic about extending their winning streak against struggling Real Valladolid, who currently sit at the bottom of the table, manager Diego Simeone is advising caution. He praised Valladolid's tenacity, saying: ”They're a highly competitive team, they always play with great commitment and great collective behaviour.”