Simeone lauds Atletico´s achievement

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has spoken of his satisfaction after securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Atletico’s 3-1 triumph at Celta de Vigo on Wednesday, powered by goals from Diego Costa, Juanfran and Radamel Falcao, confirmed a berth in Europe’s elite club competition next season.

Simeone paid tribute to everyone at the club, who will now prepare for their first taste of Champions League football since 2009/10.

“To be in the Champions League, it was one of the objectives of the season,” he said.

“I want to thank all the good work of the people of Atletico de Madrid. Since we have arrived, in December 2011, we have tried to be in this position.

“The first year we finished very close, but we won the Europa League and the Supercup, and after we worked to arrive to this point.

“I have to mark again the good work of our players.

“There are plenty of people behind that you cannot see, people working in the club, the doctors of the club, all these people who work here on a daily basis.

“Today it is a very important day for our people, and I have to thank all of them.”

Simeone said Sunday’s game against champions Barcelona would be an ideal taste of what was to come in the Champions League.

“We know that on Sunday the people could go together to the stadium, knowing that we are already in the Champions League next year, and against the Champion of La Liga, so it is a game to work with, and tomorrow we will start to work with the lads for the game,” he said.