Simeone shrugs off pressure, but knows Atletico need a win

Diego Simeone knows his Atletico Madrid future depends on results, even if he does not feel under pressure at present.

Atletico are enduring their worst start to a LaLiga campaign under Simeone, but finally picked up a much-needed win last week when they beat Villarreal 2-0.

They then fell 2-0 down inside six minutes to Liverpool in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, only for Marcos Llorente's double to drag them level.

Liverpool, however, won it in stoppage time through a Virgil van Dijk header.

And with just one win in all competitions to their name this term, Atletico will now look to bounce back when they face struggling Mallorca on Sunday.

When asked if he is feeling the pressure, Simeone told reporters: "Pressure? I love what I do.

"I'm passionate about what I do. Like all coaches, we love what we do. Everything always depends on results. It's very nice, but you have to win."

Atletico have been unusually porous defensively this season, shipping eight goals in total.

"In every match we've been able to create scoring chances. We need to improve in the defensive phase," Simeone added.

"By improving defensively, the team will get better. We have players who've hardly been able to feature yet, and they're important."

Simeone has been boosted by the news that David Hancko, as well as star forward Julian Alvarez, will be fit to feature against Mallorca.

Johnny Cardoso, however, remains sidelined due to an ankle issue.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mallorca - Vedat Muriqi 

Muriqi has scored in both of his last two LaLiga games (three goals in total), and could score in three or more in a row for the third time in his LaLiga career, and the first since September 2023 (four in a row).

Atletico Madrid - Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann has scored in two of his last three LaLiga games against Mallorca (two goals in total).

That is after the Frenchman failed to score in any of his first four LaLiga matches against them for Atletico.