Diego Simeone insisted that Atletico Madrid's six-game winning run does not overshadow the need for improvements ahead of facing Real Valladolid this Saturday.
Atletico are now 15th in the Champions League table following their 6-0 victory over Sparta Prague in midweek, their biggest ever away winning margin in a major European competition.
Their triumph at the Stadion Letna made it six consecutive wins in all competitions, and Simeone will be confident of keeping that run going this weekend.
Atletico have won six of their last seven LaLiga away games against Real Valladolid (D1), recording one more victory than in their previous 20 visits to the Blanquivioleta's home ground in the competition (W5 D7 L8).
And despite winning four of their last five games in LaLiga (L1), Simeone insisted that his team are not at the peak of their powers just yet.
"It was not so bad before and not so good now. Extremes are never good and everyone can have their own opinion," Simeone said.
"We have a competitive team when we win and when we lose, even if there are bad moments that we always have to go through. The team is improving and growing.
"The basis is that those who come in are doing very well, not just the eleven who start.
"We can improve in all facets, defensively and offensively, we have to find stability and find the best version of each one of us.
"I am happy with what is happening to the team, but I know the responsibility we have."
Simeone has also not lost any of his 12 matches as Atletico boss against Real Valladolid in LaLiga (W11 D1). Only against Getafe (G23 W19 D4) has he managed more matches without losing in the competition.
Simeone's side sit third in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona after 14 games so far this season.
Atletico have shown signs of replicating their 2020-21 LaLiga success with their performances this term, especially in defence, having conceded just eight times which is the fewest in the division.
But when asked if he felt like his side were currently better than the two teams ahead of them in the table, Simeone said: "I don't compare myself to anyone.
"We look at ourselves and try to improve and grow as a team every day, regardless of what happens to everyone else."
Real Valladolid have lost 13 of their last 14 matches against Atletico in LaLiga, drawing the other match during this period.
It is the second-worst winless streak for Valladolid in the top-flight after a 16-match run against Real Madrid between 2009 and 2024 (D2 L14).
Though Paulo Pezzolano's side find themselves at the bottom of the table, Simeone insisted that his players must not underestimate their opponents.
"They're a highly competitive team, they always play with great commitment and great collective behaviour," Simeone said.
"Very intense, higher than in the last few games we've played."
Dwight Yorke challenges Soca Warriors to uphold standards and strive for excellence
Trinidad and Tobago’s Head coach, Dwight Yorke, has challenged local-based Soca Warriors players to embrace professionalism, maintain high standards, and push themselves to earn a spot in the team for upcoming fixtures.
Yorke’s message came at the conclusion of a seven-day live-in camp held at the Home of Football in Couva, capped by a 1-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) outfit Defence Force at the Larry Gomes Stadium recently.
Despite the win, Yorke acknowledged the team's uneven performance during the match, dominated largely by Defence Force. However, the former Manchester United star emphasized the importance of players applying the lessons learned during the camp once they return to their clubs.
“We expect discipline, dedication, and attitude, all of which I consider to be an image of me in many respects. ‘You are the national team, and you are the best players in the country,’ and that comes with a certain amount of responsibility,” Yorke said in a video released by the TTFA media.
Yorke, flanked by his assistants Derek King, Russell Latapy, England’s Neil Wood, and strength and conditioning coach Anthony Crea, urged players to set themselves apart by embodying the qualities of national footballers both on and off the field.
Furthermore, he advised his players not to merely reintegrate into their club teams but to stand out by demonstrating leadership, discipline, and a professional attitude.
“When you leave here and go back to represent your clubs, make sure that they know that you’re a national player, and the only way you do that is by setting standards. How you train, how you carry about yourself, being on time, being an example for all, being that difference-maker,” Yorke shared.
“We have eyes on the ground; we would know where you are. I’ve always said if you’re good, we will find you, so don’t give us any excuse to not be in this team. When we give you days off, make sure you use it to your advantage. Don’t go gallivanting everywhere...playing football with your mates,” he added.
With the Soca Warriors potentially set for encounters against Qatar and Saudi Arabia next month, ahead of crucial fixtures in the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminaries in March.
Beyond that, Yorke’s main objective is to qualify the Soca Warriors for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. They will resume qualifying action in June against St. Kitts & Nevis.
As such, Yorke made it clear that success hinges on a collective effort.
“You are in the system. Make sure and stay in the system, but that is down to you guys. We will do everything from an administration side, from the supporting team of the staff to make sure we provide you with all the ammunition,” he declared.
“I’ll fight for you guys as the leader, as the head coach. I will go out there and make sure we get what it takes and all the stuff that you need to make sure that you are looked after. It is part of my responsibility, but you have to give us something in return... it can’t be a one-sided deal,” Yorke noted.
'I have to prove myself', says Guardiola ahead of Liverpool clash
Pep Guardiola has said that he needs to "prove" he can end Manchester City's poor form and guide them back to the top.
Guardiola's side have not won in six matches and gave up a 3-0 lead to draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, albeit ending their five-match losing run.
City have lost their last three Premier League games, as many as they had in their previous 47 combined (W35 D9). They last lost four in a row between April and August 2008, while they last did so in the same season between January and March 2007 (five).
Their next outing is against Liverpool at Anfield - a venue where they have won just once in their last 21 trips in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning 13 and drawing the other seven.
"Of course, it's not nice, but what do you expect? That everything is red carpet? That everything is nice and easy?" Guardiola said.
"It's easy when you are [winning] 10, 12 games in a row, everyone is fit, everyone is in their prime and everyone is 26, 27, 28. When everything is going well, it is easy.
"I have to prove myself now."
Guardiola, who signed a new two-year contract extension this month, has won 18 major trophies during his time at the club, including City's first-ever Champions League in 2023 and six Premier League titles.
The new deal will take the Spaniard's tenure at the club to over a decade, making him City's longest-serving manager since Les McDowall in 1963.
But Guardiola hinted he could leave Manchester if he cannot turn around the club's season.
"In long careers - nine, 10, 11 years - you live all the situations. We lost five games, drew the last one when we should have won, but it happens in football sometimes," the 53-year-old said.
"[I have to] accept it. No complaining, no blaming, no pointing. Don't run away from your responsibility. I have absolutely all on my shoulders. I have it and I want it.
"At this football club, you have to win. If you don't, you will be in trouble. I know the people say 'Why is Pep not in trouble, why is Pep not sacked?' I have this margin because of what we have done over the last eight years. The people rely on me.
"What's for sure is, I want to stay. But the moment I feel I am not positive for the club another one will come. We will be back, I know that. I don't know when.
"In the situation we are in, it is not realistic to think about big targets. The situation is to think about the next game and what I can do to help the players. I don't want to run. I asked for this opportunity. I want to be there and rebuild the team in many aspects from now on until the end of the season and next season."
Sunday's game will be the first-ever meeting between Guardiola and Arne Slot, who has made a bright start to his role at Liverpool by guiding them eight points clear of City after 12 matches.
Al-Nassr 2-0 Damac: Ronaldo scores twice as Pioli's side bounce back
Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a double as Al-Nassr defeated 10-man Damac 2-0 to stay five points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad.
Stefano Pioli's side had suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Al-Qadsiah last week, but bounced back with a commanding win against Damac, who were unbeaten in three league matches.
Ronaldo netted his first goal from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after Otavio's header hit the arms of Damac centre-back Abdelkader Bedrane.
The away side's hopes of a comeback were then dashed when Bedrane stomped on Mohamed Simakan and the referee brought out the red card following a VAR check just 11 minutes into the second half.
The 39-year-old sealed the win in the 79th minute, slotting home a cut-back from left-back Nawaf Boushal for his ninth league goal of the season.
Al-Nassr are third in the table, level on 25 points with Al-Qadsiah behind them, while Damac are 11th with 14 points from 12 matches.
Leaders Al-Ittihad will be in action against Al-Ettifaq on Saturday, hoping to pull further ahead at the top.
Data Debrief: 915 goals and counting
Ronaldo's latest brace takes him to 915 career goals, of which 452 have come since he turned 30. It was also the first time he has scored more than once in the league this campaign.
The Portugal international scored 35 goals in 31 appearances for Al-Nassr in last season's SPL, and only Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic (12 goals) has scored more than his nine this season.
Ronaldo has also now scored six goals from four matches against Damac in the Saudi top-flight.
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