Simeone: We played well, and after giving everything, we should remain calm

Atletico Madrid lost 1-2 to Liverpool in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, and Simeone spoke to ESPN Argentina after the match.

Joining us now is Atletico Madrid head coach Simeone. Simeone, first of all, thank you for accepting the interview. I would like to ask you, as the match progressed, how did you view the game?

It was a good match, and we played well. Every time we come here to play, we are very competitive, and the score has always been very close. This time it was our turn to lose. We took the lead at the start and played a very important first half. Their pressing was very good. Obviously, they also won some very important balls from us and used the opportunities after we lost possession to launch counterattacks.

We conceded two goals in this match, and three in the previous one. We need to adjust our defense as a whole, because these details are very important in this type of match. They determine whether you ultimately win or lose. We must improve these areas so that the good things the team is creating and showing now do not end up being only about having a 'good performance.'

You mentioned details. Julian came very close to scoring a second goal. What I mean is that these are the key moments in a match. If that ball had suddenly gone in, the course of the game could have been completely different.

Yes, but putting that aside, I think we played a good match. It was a very competitive game, and we gave everything we had. So, when you have given your all, you should remain calm.

This match and the final result are the same as last year's game. However, that sign is not necessarily a bad one, because you eventually reached the semifinals last year. And this time the final will be held at the Metropolitano Stadium, so I think your expectations of going all the way have certainly not changed.

I will repeat what I said yesterday: having the final held at the Metropolitano Stadium is a very good thing for Atletico Madrid as a club. This is the second time the Metropolitano Stadium has hosted a final, so it is a very important occasion for the club. We still have to put in a lot of effort to get there.