Simeone: Courtois wouldn't be a starter at Atleti as Oblak is better LaLiga Had a dig at former keeper

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has claimed that Thibaut Courtois wouldn't start in front of Jan Oblak for the Rojiblancos.

The Argentinian coach has indicated that the Slovenian shot-stopper is one of the best in the world between the goalposts.

"Courtois wouldn't be a starter at Atletico Madrid, as Oblak is better," he told El Partidazo de Cope.

"Oblak is among the best three in the world and his absence [from the awards] gives him little credibility, but the world refers to him as the best goalkeeper.

"I hope he renews [his contract], as the club is working in that direction and I hope the two parties can agree."

Antoine Griezmann's name was also absent from the individual accolades of FIFA and Simeone has expressed his unease with that decision.

"There is no kind of explanation for what happened with Griezmann," he added.

"He is World Champion, he won the European Super Cup and the Europa League, and he was the best player in the World Cup final.

"In the past year, he was undoubtedly the best in the world.

"I feel sorry for the boys, because they have very good seasons and [being excluded from the awards] disappoints you a little."

The 48-year-old went on to talk about his future and the rumours of a future move to Inter.

"I always said that one day I will train Inter and it will happen when it has to happen, as I am living an extraordinary moment at Atletico," he noted.

"Atletico Madrid's history has been always close to success.

"We have to get Thomas Lemar to start for France, Rodrigo for Spain, Gelson Martins to play more minutes with Portugal.

"Lemar is an extraordinary footballer, but he has to score goals and give more assists."