Atlético's Simeone exuberant, Guardiola proud
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
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Diego Simeone said Atlético Madrid had "stood up to the pressure" at the Fußball Arena München while Bayern coach Josep Guardiola felt both sadness and pride in defeat.
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- Atlético Madrid into UEFA Champions League final after beating Bayern on away goals
- Diego Simeone: "I loved this game, against the best opponents I've ever faced"
- Bayern have now lost three semi-finals in a row, all to Spanish sides
- Four straight semi defeats for outgoing Bayern coach Josep Guardiola
- Atlético will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final in Milan on 28 May
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
We played against the best opponents that I've played in my whole career today, especially in the first half. I was literally in love with this game, because my team also played very well. We coped with the pressure and we scored – and that was very difficult. It is unbelievable what we did. Now we've beaten two of the three best teams in Europe.
I'm proud of my players and how they work on the pitch. We played extremely strong opponents tonight. We try to play with our own characteristics, with the style that we are able and allowed to play and with the players we have. Now we have the chance to win the final as well and we'll prepare as well as possible to see if we can do that.
It's not an coincidence that we are doing so well. We have developed as a team. Now we have a lot of young players and it's about the club; the players have adapted to the team. We love the way we play; now we're in the final and we want to win that game as well.
Josep Guardiola, Bayern coach
Congratulations to Atlético. It was a good game, I'm sure everyone all over Europe will have enjoyed it. We did everything we could, and I'm proud of my players. I'm sad for them, but I'm happy with how we played today and I'm proud of my team. This club has a bright future.
We're not German champions yet – we still need a point. Hopefully we can get that on Saturday. Today everyone – me, the players and the fans – is sad but my players can still be proud of what they've done this season.
I've been happy to work here, because of these players. The new coach can be happy to work with these guys. Of course I wanted to win the Champions League with Bayern and I tried my best to do that – I've given my life for this team.
I'm proud of us. We played very well in the second half in Madrid, and in the match here tonight. We played very well against Juventus, against Benfica and against Atlético – with all that I can sleep quite well.
Of course it was my aim to win this competition here – we tried our best and played as well as we could. But I'm happy with my time here – I've enjoyed it here. We wanted to win the cup but it doesn't change my time here. Titles are just statistics. I can just tell you that I gave everything for my players. I worked hard to adapt to the Bundesliga and make my players better. I have no regrets.