Diego Simeone is ready to get Memphis Depay "hooked" on Atletico Madrid's passion following his arrival from Barcelona.

The Netherlands international made his debut as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid at the Civitas Metropolitano.

Depay's move comes after Joao Felix's loan to Chelsea and provides Simeone with another option in the final third, though he does not see the forward as a "pure striker" to lead the line.

"I see him as similar to [Diego] Costa, who wasn't a pure striker. When we put him as a striker, it was because he had the conditions and he wanted to play on the wing," he told DAZN.

"Depay has strength, power. You need to work and help us and we need to help you.

"He has played little, and we will give him minutes and training and get him hooked on our passion."

While there was excitement for Depay's maiden outing, it was the display of a pink-haired Antoine Griezmann that dazzled the spectators, with the France international pulling the strings.

Setting up Alvaro Morata and Mario Hermoso either side of a goal of his own, Griezmann has flourished in a deeper role but believes he can still perform to a higher standard.

"I know I have a lot of freedom here, having to work defensively. When I can do offensively, it helps me to be happy," he told DAZN.

"I'm enjoying myself, I haven't reached my best level yet. I'm getting closer little by little. I really enjoy fighting for this coach and this club.

"It's my home, it's the joy that people give me. All the workers of the club make me very happy; I enjoy it a lot with my team-mates.

"When I do weird or colourful hairstyles, it shows that I am very happy."

Atletico Madrid were far from their best but progressed to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals after Marcos Llorente scored one and assisted another in a 2-0 victory at Levante.

Diego Simeone's side have won just one of their last six LaLiga games and their recent struggles were evident despite victory over second-tier Levante on Wednesday.

Atletico's first shot on target in the 54th minute through Morata opened the scoring after Llorente's cross before the midfielder sealed progression with a calm stoppage-time finish.

The LaLiga side await the identity of their next opponents in Friday's last-eight draw as they aim for a first Copa del Rey crown since 2013.

Alex Munoz finished into an empty net when Jan Oblak fumbled after 25 minutes, yet the goalkeeper's blushes were spared as a free-kick was awarded for Mohamed Bouldini's heavy aerial challenge.

Bouldini arrowed a fizzing left-footed effort narrowly over soon after as an underwhelming Atletico failed to impose themselves on a first half devoid of quality.

However, a touch of class after the restart brought the opener as Antoine Griezmann danced through the middle before finding Marcos Llorente, who rolled across for Morata to finish into the bottom-left corner.

Oblak intervened at a crucial moment when Bouldini appeared positioned to net an equaliser, before a sweeping counter-attack at the other end ensured victory for Atletico.

Griezmann orchestrated the break from inside his own half before Nahuel Molina played in Llorente, who slotted a right-footed finish past Joan Femenias.

What does it mean? Atleti's silverware hopes rely on Copa del Rey

Out of Europe after finishing bottom of Champions League Group B and 13 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, Atletico's quest for silverware relies solely on the Copa del Rey.

Simeone's side are yet to face a top-flight side in this competition, although they have battled past Almazan, Arenteiro, Real Oviedo and Levante with relative ease.

However, with Real Madrid and Barcelona – who face Ceuta and Villarreal respectively on Thursday – still in the competition, Atletico will have to improve to lift their first Copa del Rey in 10 years.

De Paul controls the game

Atletico were not especially impressive but maintained control with the help of Rodrigo De Paul.

The Argentina midfielder, appearing in his first game since lifting the World Cup in Qatar, enjoyed the most touches (97) and most successful passes (70) of any player while winning all of his five duels.

Livewire Bouldini blunted

Bouldini was a constant livewire up top as he acted as a nuisance for Atletico's centre-back partnership of Mario Hermoso and Stefan Savic.

The Levante forward attempted four shots and contested a remarkable 21 duels – both marks the most of any player – though his hard-working ethic did not make up for his or Levante's lack of quality in front of goal.

What's next?

Atletico return to LaLiga action at home to Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Diego Simeone was left to rue two dropped points in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Almeria, but backed his Atletico Madrid players to soon regain their goalscoring touch.

Atleti took the lead at Estadio Mediterraneo through Angel Correa's 18th-minute strike, only for El Bilal Toure to level up before half-time and earn the mid-table hosts a point.

Los Colchoneros' return of 28 points after 17 LaLiga games is their worst tally at this stage since 2011-12 (20 points) – also the last time they failed to finish in the top four.

Simeone's side failed to convert three further Opta-defined big chances, with substitute Alvaro Morata missing two of those and Correa the other.

Having scored more than once in a single game just three times in their past nine league outings, Simeone accepts that area of the game is letting his side down.

"We have to understand that the only way to find the goal is what happened in the first 25 minutes here," Simeone told reporters.

"We had chances and those who came on helped us, but their keeper had a brilliant game. Therefore, come the end of the game, we have the feeling of having lost two points.

"We have to keep working and keep looking to play the way we are doing. The goals will come. They often come in waves.

"We were not so fortunate in front of goal today, but we did get shots on goal. They will end up coming later."

 

Atleti, who had substitute Sergio Reguilon sent off late on for two yellow cards, are fourth in LaLiga – as close to Girona in 11th as they are Real Sociedad in third in terms of points.

Simeone's side have now had a player sent off in each of their past three LaLiga matches for the first time in just under 13 years.

It capped another frustrating day for inconsistent Atleti as they finished with an expected goals (xG) return of 1.17 compared to Almeria's 0.42.

"It is true that when goals are not scored it is difficult to win," Atletico defender Mario Hermoso told Movistar. "We've done well in our last two matches in terms of chances.

"Football can be this way, and as long as we have opportunities then goals will materialise. When that happens we'll enjoy ourselves a lot more."

Atleti, who have now won just one of their past six league games, switch focus to Copa del Rey action on Wednesday with a last-16 tie against Levante.

Diego Simeone and Jan Oblak were left to lament a slow start as Atletico Madrid fell to a frustrating 1-0 loss against Barcelona.

Ousmane Dembele's goal midway through the first half was enough to settle matters, with Atletico unable to salvage a draw despite applying late pressure at the Civitas Metropolitano, where Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres saw red for an off-the-ball clash in stoppage time.

The result leaves Simeone's men fifth in LaLiga and playing catch-up in the race for Champions League qualification, and the Atletico boss conceded that a hesitant opening to the game had cost his side dear.

"It [the slow start] was clearly seen that in the first 20 minutes, not because they created scoring situations, but we couldn't get out," he said.

"We couldn't get control from the recovery of the ball to start attacking. After the goal, we started to show more of what we want. After that, a good match was played, which excites me and makes things clear.

"The reality is that we lost. It is true that the team deserved to get another result ... but we were lacking in decisive areas. We did more good things than bad.

"If we follow the example of what came after those first 20 minutes, the team will compete as we want."

Goalkeeper Oblak, who made a smart stop to deny Pedri from making it 2-0 shortly after the opener, had a similar take on the game to his boss.

"We played a good game except for the first 25 minutes," he said. "We pressed very well, we had chances, but we lacked a bit of luck to score.

"I think that in general we played a good game and should have scored, but we just couldn't put it in.

"After Barcelona scored it became difficult, but we did everything we could."

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has suggested Joao Felix will stay at the LaLiga club but knows "there is nothing impossible in life".

Arsenal and Manchester United are among the clubs who have been linked with Joao Felix.

The Portugal forward has had a difficult time at the Civitas Metropolitano after arriving from Benfica for a huge fee of €126million in 2019.

Joao Felix scored in Atletico's first game after the World Cup against Elche, setting his side on the way to a 2-0 LaLiga victory.

The 23-year-old is set to feature in a huge clash against Barcelona on Sunday and Atleti president Cerezo indicated he will remain in the Spanish capital, but has not ruled out a January exit.

He is quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo: "Unless you say otherwise, his destination continues to be Atletico Madrid. He is an Atletico Madrid player, he has a long contract.

"As far as I know, no one has come to buy him."

Cerezo added: "There is nothing impossible in life, he is an Atletico player. The normal thing is that he stays."

Atleti head coach Diego Simeone's position has been called into question this season, but Cerezo is in no doubt he remains the right man for the job.

"Simeone is a great coach, he is ideal for Atletico Madrid," he said. "We will be with him here until he decides."

Diego Simeone suggested it would be difficult for any team not to be hampered by the loss of Lionel Messi, ahead of Atletico Madrid's clash with Barcelona.

LaLiga leaders Barca travel to the Spanish capital on Sunday in the headline fixture of the weekend.

Barca struggled last season under Ronald Koeman in the wake of Messi's departure to Paris Saint-Germain, though recovered under Xavi to finish second in LaLiga.

The Blaugrana are well set for a title challenge this term, with Robert Lewandowski having hit the ground running, but they have faltered in Europe, crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage for a second straight season.

Asked if Barca were a less-threatening side without Messi, Simeone told reporters: "Where Messi is will always be decisive, be it in the national team, in his current team or in Barcelona. 

"With a player of Leo's characteristics there is a better chance of winning."

Simeone compared Messi's influence on teams to that of the late Diego Maradona, who the Atletico coach played with at the 1994 World Cup.

"When I played the World Cup with Maradona, already a veteran, there was a feeling that it is difficult for us to lose, because we have the best," Simeone added.

"And if you have the best it is easier to win."

 

Simeone will be glad he no longer has to face Messi domestically, given the Barca great scored 26 goals in 30 LaLiga appearances against Atletico, who realistically need a victory on Sunday to keep any slim hopes of a title push alive.

"We face all the games and we want to see them as if it were a final," Simeone said.

"The next game in Almeria will be in the same and so on. There is no bigger game than the one you have to play [next].

"Barcelona are doing very well in the league, [have] a coach with clear ideas and they play very well."

Joao Felix's future appears up in the air, with Atleti willing to let the Portugal forward leave the club in January.

Asked if the Barca match provides a big stage for Joao Felix to impress on, Simeone elected not to focus on the individual.

"It is a good opportunity for the team," he said. "We continue to grow, improve as a team and capture what we want in the game."

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes Antoine Griezmann is silencing his "many, many" doubters with form for club and country that proves he is still "extraordinary".

Griezmann had become a source of frustration for Barcelona fans during his two-year spell at Camp Nou, and also left many underwhelmed upon his return to Atletico in 2021.

He began look more influential during the first half of this season but a €40million purchase option centred around the number of minutes he played meant he was rarely a starter until Barca dropped their asking price and agreed a permanent sale to Atletico for €20m in October.

Griezmann then enjoyed a tremendous World Cup campaign with France despite featuring in a much deeper position, playing a vital role as Les Bleus made it all the way to the final before dramatically losing on penalties to Argentina.

Since returning to club action, he has tallied three assists in two matches, including a gorgeous first-time cushioned volley pass to set up Marcos Llorente in the 2-0 Copa del Rey defeat of second-tier Real Oviedo on Wednesday.

Simeone had always backed Griezmann, and he believes some of his critics are now being hushed.

"You have to go back and remember seven days before the World Cup, how he played in the first game [in the Copa del Rey] we had. He did it with the same dedication, the same commitment," Simeone told reporters.

"Antoine always wanted to be here. He regained the affection of the fans; [on] the field [he] speaks, and it is a good image for his teammates, wanting them to reach an important level.

"He is an extraordinary player despite the fact that many, many, thought otherwise."

Up next for Atletico on Sunday in LaLiga is the visit of Griezmann's former team, Barca.

 

Atletico Madrid are prepared to change up their squad during the transfer window, though Diego Simeone is not dwelling on what it may look like.

The Rojiblancos lie fourth in LaLiga, having struggled to keep pace with pacesetters Barcelona and Real Madrid this season.

That has helped fuel rumours of a reshuffle among the pack, with Brazil international Matheus Cunha having already joined Wolves and Joao Felix linked to an exit.

But speaking ahead of his side's Copa del Rey clash with Oviedo, Simeone suggested he would be ready for whatever changes unfold within his team.

"You know how I think, I am prepared for what may happen," he said. "We are employees of the club and everything that happens [is] for the benefit of the club.

"The team must be prepared to find solutions. Imagining what could happen and trying to find solutions until it happens, it is clear that it does not make any sense."

Quizzed on Joao Felix's future, Simeone sidestepped directly addressing the matter, but acknowledged it would be best for a swift resolution to all involved.

"For the footballers, representatives and coaches, the peace of mind of knowing where you are going to be is important," he added.

With their league aspirations effectively out of reach, the Copa del Rey represents another chance for Atletico to chase silverware this season.

Simeone acknowledges the need to find results that can improve a difficult campaign, adding: "It is a season [that has gone] from regular to bad [and] we need to improve. "

Alvaro Morata did not realise he had scored Atletico Madrid's second goal against Elche as they snapped a three-game winless run in LaLiga with a 2-0 victory on Thursday.

The Spain international was on hand to score for the Rojiblancos after Joao Felix had given them the lead at the Metropolitano to deliver three points for Diego Simeone's side.

But Morata did not initially believe he had finished his effort, after going to ground following a challenge as he shaped to shoot.

His finish arced over Edgar Badia and in, with the forward not realising until he saw team-mate Antoine Griezmann's celebrations.

"I was on the ground and I thought it had been a goal for Griezmann," he told Movistar. "I thought that after the rebound, he had scored.

"It was important to win. Especially in our stadium, we want the fans to have a good end to their year. We thank them for our support."

Simeone concurred on the crucial nature of his side's result, while also praising 19-year-old Pablo Barrios after the midfielder impressed on his first LaLiga start.

"We were looking to do damage," he added. "When we found our first goal, it gave us piece of mind. I'm heading home happy with the work and effort from the whole team.

"We showed desire. It is time to continue working with humility. As for Pablo, when a boy like him plays, you have to accompany him. You have to lead him in the best way, so as to not rush him. Football has no age."

Joao Felix has a role to play at Atletico Madrid despite his "differences" with the club, says Diego Simeone, who expects the forward to give his maximum while he remains with Los Colchoneros.

The Portugal international has been linked with a move away from the Metropolitano after appearing to criticise Simeone's methods while at the World Cup earlier this month.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, whose tally of 33 Atleti goals since his 2019 arrival is only bettered by Luis Suarez (34) in that span. 

While Simeone hinted Joao Felix's exit was in the offing when he warned "no one is essential" last week, the Argentine says the forward must continue to contribute until any move is agreed. 

"We have a good working relationship, beyond some differences that there may be between people. We can't agree on everything," Simeone said at a press conference on Wednesday.

"We have differences, but I always look for the best for the club until the last day that I or the players are there. 

"We squeeze the maximum out of everyone until the last day that I or they are here." 

Joao Felix scored one goal and added two assists as Portugal reached the last eight in Qatar, with his total of three World Cup goal involvements only bettered by two Selecao team-mates – Bruno Fernandes with five and Goncalo Ramos with four.

Simeone called for the forward to replicate that form ahead of Atleti's return to league action against Elche, adding: "What matters to me is the team, and he is important to the team. 

"If he shows us what we saw in the World Cup, he will be very important. He has the conditions and the talent, and the team needs his qualities."

Diego Simeone believes Atletico Madrid have a hugely talented squad but he as coach is letting them down.

Atletico were LaLiga champions as recently as the 2020-21 season, yet they are way off the pace in the title race this term.

Barcelona lead the way with 37 points, with Simeone's side way back on 24 points in fifth place.

But the coach thinks his squad are still capable of challenging, suggesting he is at fault for their difficult campaign.

"We have a great squad – four players in the World Cup final," Simeone said on Wednesday ahead of facing Elche.

"Maybe the one who is not giving everything is the coach. We have a great squad. I'm the one I have to improve so they can raise their level in LaLiga.

"They are more or less the same names that won LaLiga, except [Kieran] Trippier and [Luis] Suarez.

"The base of the LaLiga starters are here; there's [Angel] Correa, [Yannick] Carrasco, Joao [Felix], [Jose] Gimenez... we added [Antoine] Griezmann.

"The coach is the one who is failing more than anything else."

For this reason, Simeone is not concerned by the January transfer window, focusing instead on getting his key men fit and firing.

"When we have been on all four legs, we become strong. We need all four legs and that strength," he said. "We have proven it for many years and we will continue to."

Diego Simeone has left the door open for Joao Felix to prove himself at Atletico Madrid but warned "no one is essential".

Joao Felix has been linked with a January exit from the LaLiga side, with club CEO Gil Marin stating this month that the Portugal forward and Simeone do not have a good relationship.

Atleti head coach Simeone has suggested Joao Felix could be allowed to move on next month.

"I want the best for Atletico, we are going to celebrate 11 years giving everything I have for the team and the club to grow," he said ahead of the Copa Del Rey tie against Arenteiro.

"I care about winning, keep improving, growing, keep focusing game by game and then everything that can happen will happen.

"No one is essential, no one, and things will be as they have to be."

The former Argentina midfielder did, however, make it clear Joao Felix could still have a future in the Spanish capital.

He added: "I have no doubt that he is a very important player.

"He had a good World Cup, with an important job for his team, participating in goals and the importance that the coach gave him to develop what he has.

"Hopefully, we can have the best Joao he showed in the World Cup and hopefully he can represent himself in our team."

One player who will be leaving Atleti is Matheus Cunha, with is poised to join Premier League club Wolves.

"Cunha is about to sign with his new club. He is a boy who gave us everything he had, we gave him everything we had," he stated.

Rather than look to the transfer market for additions to replace those who leave, Simeone expressed his intention to look within Atletico's ranks.

"I'm looking inward. For the club, I'm looking at the boys from B, who excite me and are in a great moment," he explained.

"It is a low category to compare it with LaLiga, but they are very excited, [Luis] Tevenet is working very well and if we have to raise boys for the club it is the best thing that can happen to us."

Sofyan Amrabat expressed his admiration for Atletico Madrid's style under Diego Simeone, having reportedly courted the Spanish side's attention with his World Cup performances.

The 26-year-old has been an integral part of Morocco's record-breaking side in Qatar, with Walid Regragui's side becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, and facing a showdown with defending champions France for a spot in Sunday's showpiece.

The Atlas Lions' remarkable run has seen several of their squad garner interest ahead of the January transfer window, with Atletico and Barcelona among those touted to make a move for Amrabat.

While the 44-cap international made it clear he is happy at Fiorentina, he admits that Simeone's tactical approach with Los Rojiblancos is appealing.

"It's a great honour to be associated with those types of clubs. Right now, I'm playing for Fiorentina. I have a lot of respect for my club, it's a great team," he told Marca.

"I have a great coach and a great relationship with owner Rocco Commisso, who brought me to Fiorentina, and also with Joe Barone [General Manager of the club] and Daniele Prade [Sporting Director]. I have a lot of respect for them and for the club.

"I have a great coach at Fiorentina. I don't like to talk about others. But yes, what Simeone does, what he has achieved, he has coached Atletico Madrid for many years.

"I like his style of play. He has gained a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players on his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way."

Amrabat has family ties with LaLiga, with his brother Nordin Amrabat having played for the likes of Malaga and Leganes, and he is not ruling out a future move to Spanish football.

"I've been [to Spain] a lot, and I've seen a lot of matches at La Rosaleda," he added. "There is a great fan base and a great atmosphere. The Spanish league is one of the best competitions in the world.

"It is strong like the Premier League. Italy is too. I may one day play there. I'm 26 years old, no one knows what the future holds."

Koke has cited Luis Enrique as a potential replacement for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

Luis Enrique left his position as Spain boss after they were dumped out of the World Cup round of 16 on penalties by Morocco on Tuesday.

AS reported the former Barcelona coach could be a target for Manchester United and Atletico, despite both clubs having their positions currently filled.

Simeone has been Atletico head coach since 2011, leading the team to two league titles and a pair of Europa League triumphs, while they also finished Champions League runners-up in both the 2013-14 and 2015-16 campaigns.

But a poor start to this season which sees them fifth in La Liga and out of the Champions League at the group stage has fuelled rumours Simeone could leave the club.

Atletico midfielder Koke was part of the Spain team that crashed out of the World Cup, ultimately costing Luis Enrique his job, yet the midfielder still believes the 52-year-old would be a suitable replacement for Simeone.

"Luis Enrique is a spectacular manager and coach," Koke told reporters. "It's a different idea than what we have now at Atletico, but why not?"

Atletico's CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, also spoke of his interest in bringing Luis Enrique to the club, telling TVE: "I really like him personally and professionally. I think he has the talent to coach any team in our league.

"It is clear that he adds up for everyone. For the media, for the players and for the clubs because he offers performance. I think he is good."

Angel Correa and Joao Felix struck to give out-of-form Atletico Madrid a 2-0 victory at fifth-tier Almazan to reach the Copa del Rey second round.

Atletico have not won in five LaLiga matches but a dominant first-half display saw Correa put them 1-0 up at the break when he took advantage of a mistake from Almazan goalkeeper Alberto Gonzalez.

Felix added a smart second after the break, beating his man before clinically firing into the back of the net to make the game safe.

Atletico consequently cruise into the next round of a competition they have won 10 times, though not since the 2012-13 season.

Correa had already tested Gonzalez by the time Marcos Llorente hit the crossbar with a bouncing effort after Antoine Griezmann's free-kick fell at this feet.

Koke's deflected shot also rattled the woodwork after more fine Griezmann work and Gonzalez made a superb stop to deny Llorente's low drive.

But Felix's long-range shot was too hot for Gonzalez to handle with Correa tapping in the rebound 10 minutes before the break.

Felix added a sublime second in the 63rd-minute, shifting onto his left foot outside the box before rifling into the bottom-right corner.

Griezmann thought he had added a third when he deftly steered home Nahuel Molina's cross, though the offside flag went up to curtail his celebrations.

Koke missed a great opportunity to round out the scoring late on, but he could only side-foot wide.

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