Simeone: Joao Felix, Costa and Suarez from the start? Atletico are not ready yet

Diego Simeone was left very pleased with how his Atletico Madrid side played against Elche, although he conceded that his team are still developing as the season progresses.

Ahead of a top-of-the-table clash with Real Sociedad, the Argentine coach also urged caution to supporters not to expect the trident of Joao Felix, Diego Costa and Luis Suarez to start together soon.

"I think that they aren't yet ready to start, but we can finish games with them," Simeone explained in his pre-match press conference.

"The Celta Vigo match is a reference; it's a shame that Diego was injured.

"You have to be patient and exploit the best of each of the players we have, the important thing is to ensure when we put them on the pitch, they are well."

Criticism of Atletico was rife in 2019/20, especially with regards to Los Rojiblancos' attacking play, yet with his team having already scored double the goals compared to this point last term, the Argentine is pleased with the progression.

"Everything is a consequence. I have been saying for a long time that growth would appear when returning from quarantine," Simeone added.

"The team has attacked very well; they had a different pace in the opposition's half.

"This season has continued along those same lines. We've improved as coaches and the players have perfectly understood what we want."