Atletico Madrid's Simeone proud and 'peaceful' after Champions League hopes dashed yet again
After yet another Champions League elimination, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone rallied with his players in front of the team's fans. Simeone was at peace, proud of how far Atletico made it. “No one expected that we would be here,” Simeone said.
MADRID (AP) — After yet another Champions League elimination , Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone rallied with his players in front of the team's fans. He yelled, pumped his fists and applauded as the Atletico fans chanted support despite a 1-0 semifinal loss to Arsenal that ended the team's hopes of winning the European competition for the first time. There was no desperation, no anguish, no extreme sadness.
Simeone was at peace, proud of how far Atletico made it. “No one expected that we would be here,” Simeone said. “We competed with a team that had so much strength and power.
We gave it our all and now we have to accept the place that we're in. I’m grateful to our supporters and our players. I feel proud to be where I am right now.
” Simeone wasn't even complaining with the refereeing despite two penalty calls that didn't go Atletico's way in the second half. “If we got knocked out, it’s because our opponents deserved to get through,” Simeone said. “If you ask me how I feel, I feel calm and peaceful.