Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has apologised for his remarks toward Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during last week’s Supercopa de España semi-final, which Madrid won 2-1. The incident occurred after Vinicius was substituted, with Simeone reportedly telling the Brazilian he could be sold by president Florentino Perez.
“First of all, I’d like to apologise to Florentino Perez and Vinicius for the incident the other day,” Simeone said ahead of Atleti’s Copa del Rey clash with Deportivo La Coruna. “It wasn’t right of me to act that way, and I accept that it wasn’t right.”
Simeone acknowledged Xabi Alonso’s criticism of his sportsmanship but said he was not seeking forgiveness. He also praised Barcelona, who won Sunday’s final, saying, “[Real Madrid] deserved to advance [to the final]. Barcelona is a very good team and they have a very strong playing style.”
Atleti are fourth in LaLiga, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, with a 1.09% chance of winning the title according to Opta. Simeone said the Copa del Rey may be their best chance for silverware and stressed his continued focus despite his 15th season at the club: “The responsibility has been there from day one… I’m not going to stop until my energy runs out.”
Deportivo, fifth in the second tier, are expected to provide a stern challenge. “A brave team, they have significant counter-attacking power… it will be a tough, difficult match,” Simeone said.