Simeone: Lemar hasn't lived up to expectations Atletico Madrid Could leave in January

Diego Simeone has admitted that Thomas Lemar hasn't been able to live up to his expectations since arriving at Atletico Madrid.

The Frenchman, who joined Los Rojiblancos from Monaco in 2018, is being linked with a January exit.

"Facts speak better than words. Lemar is an important player who hasn't been able to develop his game but who has characteristics that others don't have," Simeone told the press.

"Let's hope he has a good moment when he comes back from injury.

"Now if Lemar can stay or not... we know that agents work in an exemplary way. Clubs work in function for their needs.

"He's played a lot more than he hasn't played.

"His characteristics have always excited me. But he hasn't been able to live up to expectations."

The Atletico boss went on to speak about the chances of the club being active in the January transfer window.

"We're occupied with what always happens. Like every year, there is the possibility of players leaving or arriving in January," he said.

"We've spoken to the club about this, about the situation that we have and when [the chances of signing players] happen, if they happen, we'll find out."

Atletico have been linked with signing Edinson Cavani, but Simeone wasn't giving anything away.

"I'm not speaking about players that aren't here," he said.