Simeone Insists Atlético Must 'Look Ahead' After Copa del Rey Heartbreak as Arsenal Champions League Semifinal Looms

Key facts

• Atlético Madrid lost the Copa del Rey final to their opponent.
• All tickets for the Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal have sold out.
• Diego Simeone spoke to the media ahead of Wednesday's La Liga fixture against Elche.
• Simeone confirmed minor injuries to Sørloth and Lookman, with recovery possible by Saturday.
• Hancko is making good progress but Giménez is unlikely to be available.
• Simeone stated the team is in better shape than last season, having reached the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinals.

A Manager Refuses to Wallow

Diego Simeone, the Atlético Madrid coach, faced the media on Tuesday with a message of defiance rather than despair. Speaking ahead of Wednesday's La Liga match against Elche, he addressed the aftermath of his team's Copa del Rey final defeat and the looming Champions League semifinal against Arsenal. “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, and the team has shown it can be there,” Simeone said. “Then it might happen or it might not, but it’s part of the process we’re in.” He acknowledged the fans' unwavering support, noting their presence in Seville from the day before the final and their send-off after the loss. “Often people want you to say something so they can feel like victims, but no, we’re not victims of anything,” he added.

The Arsenal Challenge Beckons

All tickets for next week's Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal have sold out, a testament to the fervor surrounding the tie. Simeone, however, kept his focus on the immediate task: La Liga. “We have to start over, as always happens when a competition ends,” he said. “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.” The coach stressed that mental fortitude is paramount. “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.”

Injury Concerns and Recovery Timelines

Simeone provided updates on several key players ahead of the busy 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 the coach added, “I don’t think we can count on Giménez yet.” The fitness of these players will be crucial as Atlético juggle domestic duties with the European semifinal. The team's depth will be tested, especially with the Arsenal match requiring peak performance.

A Season of Progress, Not Collapse

When asked about avoiding a collapse similar to last season, Simeone drew a clear distinction. “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 asserted. He framed the current situation as a privilege. “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.”

The Road Ahead: Elche and Beyond

Atlético's immediate focus is Wednesday's La Liga clash with Elche, a match that offers a chance to regain momentum. Simeone emphasized the need to reset. “We have to start over, as always happens when a competition ends,” he reiterated. Beyond Elche lies a Saturday fixture, then the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal. The sold-out stadium for the first leg underscores the high stakes. Simeone's message is clear: hard work and resilience, not self-pity, will define Atlético's response to their recent setback.

The bottom line

• Atlético Madrid must rebound quickly from Copa del Rey final defeat with Elche and Arsenal matches ahead.
• Simeone insists the team is not victims and must focus on hard work.
• All tickets for the Arsenal Champions League semifinal first leg have sold out.
• Injuries to Sørloth, Lookman, and Giménez could affect squad rotation.
• Simeone believes the team is in a stronger position than last season despite the final loss.