Simeone calls for Atletico focus

13 May 2012 00:41

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has urged his players to forget about Malaga's result and win their game against Villarreal.

The Europa League champions sit fifth in La Liga and must win on Sunday if they are to have any chance of leapfrogging Malaga and moving into the final Champions League place.

Malaga host relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon, but Simeone said his team needed to focus on their own result.

"Once you have found prestige you have to keep it up. Atletico is a demanding club and we need to make the last effort so we do everything we can to get a Champions League spot," he said.

"I think that the joy you get when winning is great, it's normal that the players celebrate a triumph.

"However, my players know how demanding Atletico Madrid is. When I started managing the team back in December we were 10 points behind the coveted fourth spot. Currently, we have a slight possibility of finishing fourth.

"It doesn't depend entirely on us, but we've reached this stage of the season with options of qualifying for Champions League.

"It will also depend on Malaga, who has an excellent squad and they are likely to win their game, but we have to win our game."

Manuel Pellegrini's Malaga side are in prime position to secure fourth spot, and their coach said it would be a 'fantastic' feat if they achieved it.

"Sporting Gijon have their last chance to avoid relegation but we are also fighting to reach a Champions League spot," Pellegrini said.

"We've tried hard to get here and ending the season in a Champions League spot would be fantastic."