Atletico Madrid sit third in the LaLiga table for Christmas, but they are still nine points behind leaders Barcelona after 18 games played.
Atletico Madrid moved into third place in LaLiga following a dominant 3-0 victory over Girona, yet manager Diego Simeone insists his side must improve to challenge for the title.
Despite sitting nine points behind leaders Barcelona at Christmas, Simeone remains wary of the gap.
“Last season we competed very well in the Champions League, but in LaLiga we lacked that extra push, determination and conviction. To get where we want to go, 100% is not enough,” he said.
The victory featured goals from Koke, Conor Gallagher, and Antoine Griezmann, highlighting the squad’s depth.
Atletico has now seen ten goals scored by substitutes this season, more than any other club in the league.
Reflecting on the standard required to compete with Spain’s giants, Simeone noted: “Every time we see Real Madrid and Barcelona, I think about this, because of the different situations; we have to give 110% or 120%.”
After a shaky start to the campaign, Atletico has found form, winning eight of their last ten matches. Simeone credited this turnaround to the team’s resilience under external pressure.
“Fortunately, hard work, faith, conviction, self-confidence, and knowing exactly what we want gave us the peace of mind to continue on the path to what we aim for. And that path teaches us that 100% is not enough,” the manager added.