Koke: Simeone deserves patience for what he's done for Atletico Madrid Atletico Madrid Midfielder spoke to MARCA

Koke has insisted that Atletico Madrid fans have to be patient with Diego Simeone because of what he has done for the club.

El Cholo was questioned in the early weeks of 2020, but now the team are performing well with the captain back on the pitch.

Koke spoke to MARCA about his boss, Atletico's season so far, Joao Felix, the Champions League and much more.

Just when the team seemed to be going in the right direction, there was a shock against Espanyol. What is happening away from home?

It's true that we're not getting good results away from home. We know where we have to improve in this sense. Pressing a bit more. We're making it difficult for ourselves in matches that seem easier on paper and it's costing us quite a bit. We have to change our chip to get results going forwards. Like in the previous matches where we've taken a step forward with good work with and without the ball.

Only three wins in 13 games away from the Wanda Metropolitano. It's difficult to achieve your objectives like this, right?

It's true that there are some games that have escaped us a lot. We're drawn in the last minute and it seems like we're carrying a trailer. Away from the draws to Valencia and Espanyol, this has come from the start of the season and not just now.

After many years in the top three, you're fifth in the table. Did you expect such a tough transition year?

In the end, it's true that we're not used to this situation. We have to play each game like a final like this Saturday, the Sevilla one is a final. The Champions League happens by playing against direct rivals like Real Sociedad, Getafe... you have no choice but to get a result.

What would it mean for the dressing room and the club not to qualify for the Champions League?

We're not thinking about it. It would be a big blow for the players and the club. We're working as hard as we can. Atletico have to be in the Champions League.

Now you're up against Sevilla, a direct rival. What are Atletico playing for this weekend?

It's a final. To play games against the likes of Liverpool or Juventus, you have to qualify for the Champions League. [Sevilla] are a direct rival for this. If we beat them, we'll get the head-to-head. We have to get a result from the game no matter what.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia... you haven't won against any of the big teams in LaLiga Santander this season. What are you missing to win these games?

I don't know. We have to analyse them. We haven't stopped to think. Villarreal are also up there and we beat them. We have to take a step forward. It's repetitive but, the truth is, it's a transition year. There are lots of people that have left and new people that have to settle in. What we didn't do at the start of the season, we're doing bit by bit now so we're improving.

It's said that this team lacks the character of other years with Gabi, Diego Godin, Raul Garcia... Is this squad missing a mean streak on the pitch?

Time. You have to give people time. You can't get this character overnight. You either have it or you don't. The hierarchy is taken when you have stature in the team. It takes time to have that stature, although each player is different.

What has this first season as captain been like for you? Is it more difficult than you thought?

We're lucky that there's a great group. There are moments when you have to take the lead, but I'm lucky enough to have good teammates who make life easy.

Speaking of yourself, were you affected when you heard whistles against you at home?

The boss said it. Lots of people were whistled at the [Estadio Vicente] Calderon. It happened to me... but I remember the rest of the stadium singing and helping me. We have to respect the fans. You can only work hard to be at your best and help.

You missed the worst run of results since Diego Simeone arrived through injury. Did you suffer when watching those defeats to Eibar, Cultural Leonesa...?

You suffer when you have an injury and you can't be with the team. This year, I was unlucky enough to get injured again. We fell into a bad run. It makes you feel powerless and angry, not being with the team to help them.

During that run, even Diego Simeone's future was in doubt. What do you think of him as a captain and leader of this team?

I think people get bored of seeing the same faces. The boss has given everything for Atletico and he will keep doing so. In the end, we have to respect his job. There are new people and they have to adapt to the coach's philosophy - of how he plays and competes. Like with any job, you have to have patience. Simeone has earned it for everything he's done in this last few years.

After eight years, can you imagine Atletico without Simeone in the dugout?

We're hoping this never happens, but one day it will. Just like the day that Koke and Saul will leave. You don't think about it yourself but one day it has to happen.

You came back after this bad run and the team improved. Did you feel like your work was appreciated again?

That's being opportunist. It's true that we had a bad run and then the team improved. I'm only looking to help, to take Atletico as far as possible.

Diego Costa has returned now. You always got on with him. What's he like and how long before he's back to his best?

Since his return, he's had great games and others not so great because of his injuries. He hasn't had much luck. We need the best Costa and he's picking up form. The topic of his back is delicate. He's been out for a long time and we have to be patient. I'm sure that we'll see him with that desire and guts that gobbles up everything that's put in front of him.

We're also waiting for the best Joao Felix. Is he one of the most talented players you've played with?

I've played with great players with Atletico and Spain. You have to settle into the group bit by bit. When he was at his best, he got injured, then he returned and he get injured again. You have to be patient. You can't adapt overnight. It happened to [Antoine] Griezmann, Kun [Aguero]... I'm sure that we'll see the Joao we all want to see.

Is he too inexperienced to take over the attacking responsibilities from Griezmann despite his price tag?

The market is like that with any player. You cost a lot if you're a talent like Joao. Bit by bit, the player that all Atletico and football fans want to see will be there. He can't be the solution to every problem. Antoine found it difficult for months.

There was a lot of defensive resistance against Liverpool in the first leg. What are you expecting from the second leg?

They pressed us a lot, I've seen very few teams as direct and intense as that. We have to try to win. If we only think about defending, the same thing could happen as against Juve last season. We have to learn so it doesn't happen again.

You were also ahead against Juventus. What do you have to do so you don't make the same mistakes?

They came out with an attitude and mentality that we couldn't play the game we wanted. We have to go there to win with another mentality.

Which scares you more: Anfield or Liverpool's front three?

I've never been to Anfield and we can't be scared, only excited and hungry to play against them such a historic stadium. After all, it's what the Champions League is all about.

Are you obsessed with winning the Champions League after losing two finals?

It's more than obsession, it's exciting. I've been so close. Why not dream? We'll see what happens at Anfield. Lifting [the trophy] as captain would be amazing. Something to remember for the rest of your life.