Simeone: Atletico 'growing' but must improve despite winning run

Diego Simeone insisted that Atletico Madrid's six-game winning run does not overshadow the need for improvements ahead of facing Real Valladolid this Saturday.

Atletico are now 15th in the Champions League table following their 6-0 victory over Sparta Prague in midweek, their biggest ever away winning margin in a major European competition.

Their triumph at the Stadion Letna made it six consecutive wins in all competitions, and Simeone will be confident of keeping that run going this weekend.

Atletico have won six of their last seven LaLiga away games against Real Valladolid (D1), recording one more victory than in their previous 20 visits to the Blanquivioleta's home ground in the competition (W5 D7 L8).

And despite winning four of their last five games in LaLiga (L1), Simeone insisted that his team are not at the peak of their powers just yet.

"It was not so bad before and not so good now. Extremes are never good and everyone can have their own opinion," Simeone said.

"We have a competitive team when we win and when we lose, even if there are bad moments that we always have to go through. The team is improving and growing.

"The basis is that those who come in are doing very well, not just the eleven who start.

"We can improve in all facets, defensively and offensively, we have to find stability and find the best version of each one of us.

"I am happy with what is happening to the team, but I know the responsibility we have."

Simeone has also not lost any of his 12 matches as Atletico boss against Real Valladolid in LaLiga (W11 D1). Only against Getafe (G23 W19 D4) has he managed more matches without losing in the competition.

6 goals 6 wins in a row pic.twitter.com/iMCTyXSdjd

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 27, 2024

Simeone's side sit third in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona after 14 games so far this season.

Atletico have shown signs of replicating their 2020-21 LaLiga success with their performances this term, especially in defence, having conceded just eight times which is the fewest in the division.

But when asked if he felt like his side were currently better than the two teams ahead of them in the table, Simeone said: "I don't compare myself to anyone.

"We look at ourselves and try to improve and grow as a team every day, regardless of what happens to everyone else."

Real Valladolid have lost 13 of their last 14 matches against Atletico in LaLiga, drawing the other match during this period.

It is the second-worst winless streak for Valladolid in the top-flight after a 16-match run against Real Madrid between 2009 and 2024 (D2 L14).

Though Paulo Pezzolano's side find themselves at the bottom of the table, Simeone insisted that his players must not underestimate their opponents.

"They're a highly competitive team, they always play with great commitment and great collective behaviour," Simeone said.

"Very intense, higher than in the last few games we've played."