Simeone Insists Atlético Are No Victims as Arsenal Semifinal Tickets Sell Out

Key facts

• All tickets for the Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal have sold out.
• Atlético lost the Copa del Rey final to an opponent Simeone said 'deserved to win'.
• Simeone spoke ahead of Wednesday's La Liga match at Elche.
• Sørloth and Lookman are recovering from minor injuries; Hancko is making progress.
• Giménez is unlikely to be available for the upcoming matches.
• Simeone noted the team is in better shape than last season, when they were eliminated in the Champions League round of 16 and Copa del Rey semifinals.

Defiant Simeone Refuses to Play the Victim

Diego Simeone, the Atlético Madrid coach, addressed the media on the eve of his team's La Liga trip to Elche, delivering a message of resilience rather than self-pity. 'Often people want you to say something so they can feel like victims, but no, we’re not victims of anything,' he said, reflecting on the recent Copa del Rey final defeat. 'We have to look ahead, follow our path, and pursue what we want in only one way: by working hard.' Simeone's comments came as the club announced that all tickets for next week's UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal have been sold out, a testament to the unwavering support of the fanbase. 'We’ve given the fans the feeling and the conviction that we can reach that level, to believe in what we do and to be where we are,' he said. 'Then it might happen or it might not, but it’s part of the process we’re in.'

Bouncing Back from Copa del Rey Heartbreak

The Copa del Rey final defeat was a bitter blow, but Simeone insisted the team must accept the outcome and move on. 'First and foremost, by accepting (the result of the final). There’s always another team that wants to win and does what it takes to bring home the title. They deserved to win, and life is about accepting the situations that arise, learning along the way and staying focused on our goals.' He praised the fans for their support throughout the final in Seville, noting their arrival the day before and their send-off after the loss. 'The fans were incredible in Seville,' he said. 'From the start, their arrival the day before, and the send-off after the loss.'

Injury Updates Ahead of Crucial Stretch

Simeone provided updates on several key players as the team navigates a packed schedule. 'We’ll see how Sørloth and Lookman recover from these minor injuries they’ve had. Let’s hope they make a full recovery in time for Saturday; it’s possible, according to the doctors,' he said. Hancko is making good progress, but Giménez is unlikely to be available. The coach stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate task: 'We have to start over, as always happens when a competition ends. It’s time to focus on the next match, put our energy into doing things right, compete in Elche, then on Saturday, and, as the Champions League approaches, be in the best possible shape.'

A Stronger Position Than Last Season

Drawing a contrast with the previous campaign, Simeone argued that the team is in a better place despite the recent setback. 'We’re in better shape than last year. Back then, we were knocked out in the Champions League round of 16 and the Copa del Rey semifinals; this year, unfortunately, we lost in the Copa del Rey final and we’re in the semifinals. It’s not the same.' He acknowledged the privilege of being among the top four in Europe and accepted that the opponent deserved to win the Copa del Rey. 'The team is doing well. You know it’s a privilege to be among the top four in Europe, and you accept that we had to lose because the opponent deserved to win the Copa del Rey. We have to keep moving forward. What’s next? Elche.'

Champions League Semifinal Looms as Ultimate Test

With the Arsenal tie on the horizon, Simeone's immediate focus remains on La Liga, but the sold-out crowd for the Champions League semifinal underscores the magnitude of the occasion. The first leg will be played at the Estadio Metropolitano, where Atlético will look to leverage home advantage against an Arsenal side that has impressed in Europe this season. Simeone's ability to rally his squad after a cup final defeat will be critical. The coach's emphasis on mental fortitude and hard work suggests he is determined to avoid a repeat of last season's collapse, when the team faded in both domestic and European competitions. The coming weeks will test whether Atlético can channel their disappointment into a deep Champions League run.

The Road Ahead: Elche, Then Arsenal

Before the Champions League semifinal, Atlético must navigate a tricky La Liga fixture at Elche on Wednesday, followed by a Saturday match. Simeone made it clear that rotation and recovery will be key. 'To be in the best possible shape, we have to be in good shape tomorrow,' he said, referring to the Elche game. The coach also touched on the importance of players like Pablo Barrios and Jan Oblak, though he did not provide specific updates. With the squad managing minor injuries and a demanding schedule, Simeone's squad management will be under scrutiny as they aim to keep pace in La Liga while preparing for the biggest European fixture of their season.

The bottom line

• Diego Simeone has rejected any notion of victimhood after the Copa del Rey final defeat, urging his team to focus on hard work and the upcoming challenges.
• All tickets for the Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal have sold out, reflecting strong fan support and high expectations.
• Simeone confirmed that Sørloth and Lookman are recovering from minor injuries, while Hancko is progressing and Giménez remains doubtful.
• The coach believes the team is in a stronger position than last season, having reached the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semifinals.
• Atlético must first face Elche in La Liga before turning their attention to Arsenal, with Simeone emphasizing the need to be in good shape for every match.
• Simeone's leadership and ability to bounce back from disappointment will be crucial as Atlético aims for a deep Champions League run.