Decisions not to blame for Bilbao stalemate – Simeone

Diego Simeone insisted that he does not blame poor refereeing decisions for Atletico Madrid’s failure to beat Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Antoine Griezmann and Tiago both had perfectly-good goals disallowed at the Vicente Calderon as Bilbao held on for a goalless draw.

But Simeone has refused to blame the decisions, conceding that his side needed to be more clinical.

“The result does not change, the decisions are what they are,” said the Argentine.

“The first half was even, where we both had chances, and in the second half, we played very well. We could have won the match, we should have won the match but we get a point.

“I think when the league is coming to an end, time drags on all of us who compete for important goals, relegations, the Champions League, the Europa League and the league – so there is the fatigue as well.”

Simeone was also full of praise for Mario Mandzukic, with the Croatian forward having made an impact from the bench after being replaced by Fernando Torres in the starting line-up.

“I liked the work he did. He played two or three important balls. He made us play more in the opponent’s half,” Simeone added.

“In the first half we were playing with longer-ranged shots and the presence of Mandzukic gave us the chance to play closer to their box since he plays well with his back to the goal, so I was pleased that he gives that different option.”