Simeone defends extraordinary year for Atletico

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone claimed his side have enjoyed an “extraordinary” year despite a poor start to their league season and narrowly missing out on both the Champions League and La Liga last season.

Saul Niguez’s fine strike handed Atletico their first win in four games in a nervy 1-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday to move up to fifth, but still nine points off league leaders Real Madrid having also played a game more.

However, Simeone stoutly defended his side’s record in 2016 as they lost out on a first Champions League title to Real on penalties in May and finished just three points adrift of La Liga champions Barcelona.

“Taking into account where we have come from, we have ended an extraordinary year,” said Simeone.

“It was a year in which the team managed to compete in the final of the Champions League, almost until the final day in La Liga, we are once again in the last 16 of this edition of the Champions League and the Copa del Rey has started well.

“It is true we have been a bit inconsistent in La Liga, but it was an historic year for the club.”

Atletico aren’t in league action again until January 7 as La Liga takes a winter break over the new year.

“The break is there to rest and we will always look for solutions that can help the team come back strong,” said Simeone on whether the break comes at the right time for his squad.

Star forward Antoine Griezmann in particular looks in need of a rest as the Frenchman failed to score for a ninth consecutive La Liga game.

Griezmann was rewarded with third place in the Ballon d’Or this week for his fine year in leading both Atletico and France to the Champions League and Euro 2016 finals respectively.

And Simeone insisted the goals will come in the new year should Griezmann maintain his level of performance.

“Griezmann is playing as we have become accustomed to, but unfortunately the goals aren’t coming for him.”