Mario Hermoso is one of the key players in Simeone’s Atletico squad. The defender was rested against Almeria and everything indicates that he will return for the 11th round against Lazio, in the first place match.
How do you deal with the match knowing that a draw is worth it?
Obviously with the importance of what it means for us to continue this good dynamic of home results and take that extra step of finishing first in the group.
What are the feelings in the locker room ahead of the Champions League?
The step we have taken is important. We know what that means as a group, as athletes, as a team that wants to compete for absolutely everything. Our ability and mentality is to consolidate first place and from there we take that time until the playoffs to continue working. The league is very important, and we want to do very well. Also in the Super Cup and the Cup, we want to compete for everything until the last day. Of ambition and desire it will not be.
Is braces density a concern? Are footballers the ones who can change that?
Injuries, like Javi’s, are unpleasant, there have been a lot in this period, we have suffered a little bit, and no one wants to reach those points, where a player reaches his limit. This happens more with international players, who go 10 or 11 months without a break. You have to think and rethink too. If we want to deliver great performances and for footballers to perform at their highest levels day after day, it becomes complicated. You start loading up teams that have a lot of minutes with injuries. We have to do other things, to research more about the athlete. I hope the competitions continue to be beautiful and for this we also need to rest.
Are you in the best version of your career?
When you adapt and are able to keep the coach’s trust to get many minutes, you will be able to achieve a better version. The knowledge we already have in the group, the way we talk on the field, the players getting to know each other, those playing in midfield… it’s become more dynamic. It could be one of the best moments of my career, and let’s hope it continues and maintains this level to continue to have confidence and enjoy myself.
The contract expires on June 30. Is your priority to continue at Atletico?
It’s something I’ve been answering for months. The decision you can make will be when the time comes. The most important thing for me seems to be for the team to continue to be as dynamic as it is, to continue competing… It’s been many years at Atlético, this is my fifth season, apart from everything that Atlético and everyday life entails. With my amazing teammates, and all the time I spent with Cholo, which was about learning to be better. These are all things I take into consideration, but it’s an answer I haven’t decided yet. These are the things that when it’s time to rest, after the game against Sevilla, I’ll sit down and evaluate them. Atletico is at the top, but this is not just my personal decision, there are many factors.
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