Diego Simeone reflects on Atletico Madrid's draw with Espanyol

The Argentine coach acknowledged that while his team displayed commendable play, their inability to convert chances into goals cost them dearly.

Simeone praised the team's first-half display: "We need to focus on the positives, particularly the first 30 minutes where we created numerous opportunities against a well-organised defence.

"We had four or five clear chances to score. However, our intensity dropped in the last 15 minutes of the first half, and we attempted to regain that momentum with our substitutions."

He reflected on the overall performance: "I choose to highlight the positives, especially our attacking intent in the first half. We need to improve our finishing as the need for efficiency becomes increasingly apparent in football."

On the result, he remarked: "We aimed for a win and tried every avenue. The substitution of Reinildo for Sorloth was a strategic move because the team was becoming disjointed. When a team loses cohesion, it risks losing or winning, and I prefer to maintain control.

"I wanted us to keep up the rhythm from the first half, and we managed to do so in parts of the second half. We took away many positives, although our lack of sharpness in front of goal was a negative."

Addressing Luis Milla's absence, Simeone added, "I do not comment on players who are not part of the current squad."

Regarding the fans' impatience: "It's understandable. Fans are passionate, and if I were a supporter, I would feel the same. But I am the coach."

He noted the team's persistent effort: "We continued to create chances and pose a threat. Espanyol also did well to limit our opportunities, and overall, we failed to score."

On his half-time message: "I emphasised sustaining our attack while defending. If we can hold off the opponent's attack, we can create chances. If we don't, we risk losing control."

Simeone concluded with a lesson: "The competition is tough and every match presents challenges. In the previous game, we scored more goals from fewer chances, whereas today, it was the opposite. We need to find a balance and build on our strengths."

READ MORE: Athletic Bilbao edge past Valencia for first La Liga win