Simeone: «People don't get angry on their own, but we need to identify the perpetrators and make sure they don't come back»

Diego Simeone spoke about the incidents that occurred in the match against Real Madrid, where objects were thrown at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, causing a temporary interruption of the game. Although critical of the crowd's reaction, Simeone also pointed out that the protagonists on the field have a part of responsibility.

«It's not right, but we don't help the protagonists when we provoke people and people get angry. The crowd shouldn't be penalized; it's us who rile up the fans, who incite them, and nothing happens. For me, those who provoke should be penalized,» declared Simeone, referring to the attitudes of some players that can inflame the fans' tempers.

The Argentine coach was clear about the need to identify those responsible for the incidents: «We need to try to individualize them, and those who were involved should not come back because we don't need them. We need people who cheer, not those who create problems.»

Simeone also recalled previous incidents that affected Courtois when he wore Atlético Madrid's jersey: «It happened to him at Bernabéu too. I don't justify what happened, but if we provoke, there can be a reaction.»

Regarding the match's progress, Simeone acknowledged that the team did not start with their best version: «In the first half we defended correctly, although we didn't play well and missed some counterattacks. It wasn't the match we expected.» However, he noted that in the second half, the team was improving just when Madrid scored and incidents occurred: «I think we were in a good moment when Madrid scored, and then this episode happened which shouldn't have. It ended up favoring us because the match stopped at a complicated moment for us.»

The coach recognized that the interruption was beneficial for Atlético as it allowed the team to regroup after conceding a goal. Additionally, the pause gave him an opportunity to talk to his players and adjust their strategy for the final minutes of the match, which was crucial to maintaining control during that final stretch.

Diego Simeone concluded his statements by insisting that those responsible for these incidents should not return to the stadium as they do not represent the fans Atlético needs to cheer on the team.