The Atletico coach believes that with Cristiano gone, they stand a better chance against their rivals.
“From the results, we aren’t worse than Madrid or Barca, from the individual characteristics of our players, yes,” he said in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE.
“Without Cristiano, we have approached Real Madrid’s level, for sure.”
The Argentine did not stop there, he also expressed his displeasure over Antoine Griezmann not making the shortlist of the Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
“He hasn’t had an explanation – World Cup winner, Super Cup, Europa League, second in La Liga, best player in the [World Cup] final,” he said.
“In this past year, he was the best in the world. It is a pity. We do not underestimate ourselves to think that it is because he plays for Atletico, it will be a lack of imagination of people who choose.
“Obviously it disappoints a little. But it’s clear that Griezmann was the best last season.”
Griezmann himself confessed that he thought it was Bizarre that neither he nor any of his national teammates made the shortlist, seeing as they won the World Cup.
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