Alejandro Grimaldo has described Diego Simeone as “very determined” after being presented as an Atletico player in Madrid.
The Spain international completed his move to Atletico this summer and spoke to the media on Thursday, 13 August, during his official presentation. Among the issues raised was his view of Simeone, the club’s head coach.
Grimaldo, a world champion with Spain, was asked several questions after joining the Madrid club. His comments about Simeone focused on the manager’s determination, with the new signing offering an early insight into his view of the coach who leads Atletico.
The left-back is yet to make his debut for the club, but he could feature for the first time on 19 August. Atletico are scheduled to begin their Spanish league campaign against Malaga in the opening round of the competition.
That fixture will provide Grimaldo with his first opportunity to appear in Atletico colours, following his move during the summer. Until then, his presentation has allowed him to address the media and discuss his arrival, including his assessment of Simeone.
The meeting with journalists took place in Madrid on Thursday, when the 13 August presentation formally introduced Grimaldo as an Atletico player. The defender answered a number of questions, with Simeone’s approach forming one of the key subjects.
Grimaldo’s description of the coach was brief but clear: “He is very determined”. The remark came as he spoke about the head coach ahead of the new season.
Atletico’s opening match against Malaga is set for 19 August, meaning Grimaldo may not have to wait long for his first competitive appearance for the club. The match will be played in the opening round of the Spanish championship and marks the earliest stated date for his debut.
For now, the new Atletico player’s public introduction has centred on his first comments since the move. His assessment of Simeone was one of the main points to emerge from the presentation, while the match with Malaga remains the next opportunity for him to begin his Atletico career on the pitch.
