Simone criticized the busy 'unfair' LaLiga fixture schedule

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone expressed his dissatisfaction with the busy schedule of fixtures in various tournaments during the recent period. Atletico Madrid was far from their best but progressed to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals after Marcos Llorente scored one and assisted another in a 2-0 victory at Levante. Diego Simeone's side has won just one of their last six La Liga games and their recent struggles were evident despite their victory over second-tier Levante on Wednesday. In statements published by the Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Simeone said "We play every three days, no one cares, but we play every three days, no time to rest." He added, "The first half was not good, with a lot of mistakes, and Levante did a good job under pressure. They did not allow us to advance. We did not play as a team and we were showing a bad face." He continued, "At halftime, we spoke calmly because we have players who play football well, and when they bond and enjoy peace of mind, we become good as a team." He went on to say: "We do not consider Levante a second-class team. It is in an ideal situation. He played 16 matches without losing. Yesterday he had to lose, but he is a team that plays well." Simeone commented on the approach of Dutchman Memphis Depay to join Atletico Madrid, saying, "We do not have confirmation of that, but the club works according to what the team needs."