Diaz doesn´t doubt Simeone

Atletico Madrid defender Daniel Diaz said there should be no question marks over manager Diego Simeone’s future at the Vicente Calderon.

Sunday’s 4-1 defeat by Barcelona harmed the title chances of the club from the capital, and although a nine-point gap has opened up at the top of La Liga, the summer signing from Getafe claimed Simeone has the full backing of the dressing room.

“I do not think his renewal is in question (because) the team is well and the players believe in the project,” the 33-year-old told reporters.

Atletico have not won La Liga since 1996 but Simeone’s side impressed in winning the Europa League in May and then the European Super Cup in August.

Diaz believes the silverware his manager has already delivered, combined with the resolve the 42-year-old has instilled in the squad, shows his methods should not be questioned.

“I think Simeone has proved his worth with titles,” he said.

“He changed the mentality of all the players and it shows on the field and in the locker room.”

Atletico will next host Celta de Vigo in La Liga on Friday before the league’s winter break.