Simeone highlights sense of belonging among Atletico footballers

Madrid, May 7:  Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone on Saturday praised his footballers for being "proud" of playing for his side and their feelings of belonging to the Spanish club. At a press conference ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash against Levante, Simeone said that he had reiterated the sense of teamwork before elimiting Barcelo and Bayern Munich from the UEFA Champions League knockouts, reports Efe.

Simeone explained that he thought the source of such feelings is not the coaching staff, but the players, who belong to the Rojiblancos.

Simeone added that there are six or seven players who have been with Atletico for a long time and whether they appear in matches or not, the Atletico veterans influence the sense of belonging for newly-signed players.

He also indicated that playing well "is not enough" to be in Atletico.

Atletico Madrid are in second place in La Liga standings with 85 points, the same as leader Barcelo and just one point ahead of third-placed Real Madrid. IANS