Atletico Madrid finishing second, not 'frustrating' and not a 'failure' - Simeone

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa (right) celebrates after scoring with teammate - Getty

Diego Simeone insists it is not a failure for
Atletico Madrid to finish second in La Liga while competing with Barcelona and Real Madrid.


Atletico have proven to be the strongest challengers to Barcelona's title defence this season, but Ernesto Valverde's men are on the brink of retaining their crown.

However, Simeone's side do boast a six-point gap over capital rivals Real, with Los Blancos having slipped up against Champions League hopefuls Getafe on Thursday.

"I was asked whether it is frustrating to finish second in La Liga, with Barcelona and Real Madrid, the best teams in the world," he said ahead of Atletico's game with Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid players celebrate after victory - Getty

"I don't think it's frustrating or a failure. We only think about ourselves, where we're coming from and where we're going.

"We have to strive to be competitive. In these seven and a half years we've always tried to be closer to the top."

"Now we have the responsibility to stay at this level."