Simeone: Atletico Madrid have to show life in LaLiga Santander Atletico Madrid Face Granada on Saturday

Diego Simeone has stressed that Atletico Madrid have to remain in the LaLiga Santander race until the end of the season.

The Argentine coach insisted that his players should follow the game-by-game philosophy instilled in the club in the last few seasons.

"All [of the rest of the games] are finals and a challenge to go until the end against teams which are very good," Simeone told the press.

"We will go on with a match-by-match [philosophy].

"I can't imagine anything else than the [fans] understanding the team's situation and the team understanding the league situation.

"We only think about improving and getting out of this dynamic which isn't good.

"We have to show that we are alive."

Diego Costa has been sidelined due to an injury and Simeone went on to give an update on his striker's recovery process.

"This week he has joined [the group] and participated in training," Simeone said.

"He is getting hooked [on the feeling of coming back], he is looking forward to it and he is excited.

"The doctors will discharge him when appropriate.

"We hope we can have Diego with us and when he returns, we will have a player who has given us a lot."

Atletico Madrid face Granada on Saturday, just a few days after the Andalusian side achieved qualification to the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

"I've always said that winning is always positive to boost your ego and Granada are in this situation," Simeone noted.

"They deserve the feeling they have just now, as they had a drop [in form] in November, but now they have recovered points in LaLiga Santander and they are playing good football."