Simeone reflects on hard-fought 2-1 win over Alavés

Staying grounded
"There is always room for improvement in every department. Sometimes, winning five matches does not mean you are doing things brilliantly, but merely well, because mistakes always creep in at certain moments and fortune, or a goal not arriving at the right time, always plays a part."

Striking first
"Taking the lead has served us well so far this season, and hopefully we can maintain that control. Overall, I realise we still have areas to sharpen up, both in defence and in attack."

Absentees
"This Saturday we will be without Cardoso and Koke, which is precisely why we built such a competitive squad. The business end of the season will prove just how vital that depth is. We remain a work in progress, as I keep saying. All these phases help us manage minutes in the best possible way, always keeping winning the match as our absolute priority."

Managing minutes
"Being at a major club creates this exact dynamic. When you represent an elite side, these situations naturally arise. You must stay prepared for whenever the manager calls upon you. Excuses are not valid—claiming you have not played in a while or lack sharpness. The reality is forged on the training pitch, because we work constantly and are always at their disposal. Conditioning, technical work, and striving to ensure they are always ready to deliver for a club of this stature when their moment comes. They are at Atletico de Madrid to step up whenever called upon."

Pablo Barrios
"Regarding his development and what he is striving for, all this praise should not soften his edge; it should simply reassure him that he is a vital player for this squad. From there, he must prove it on the pitch, because the pitch is where footballers are ultimately judged, and Pablo is an exceptionally important player for us."

Alejandro Grimaldo and Alex Baena
"These partnerships develop over time, just like on the right flank with Giuliano, Barrios, Llorente, and Pubill whenever he slots in at full-back or centre-back. Grimaldo offers us an enormous amount going forward; he allows us to attack both inside and out, essentially operating as a winger from full-back. We are helping him refine his defensive duties, which will make him an even better player, and he is fully committed to improving in that department and helping the team just as he is doing."

Espanyol
"They have always competed remarkably well. They started last season very strongly, suffered a dip in consistency, and then finished the campaign on a high. They know exactly how they want to play. When a side has such a clear identity, the manager deserves huge credit. They understand their game and carry a genuine threat with 11 goals scored, although it is true they have also shipped 11. They are an exceptionally well-drilled, combative side, and their ground has always been a tough place for us to visit."