Koke loyal to Atlético core

Ask playmaker Koke what it means to represent Club Atlético de Madrid and he sums it up in just one word: "unique". The 22-year-old Madrileño has been with the Rojiblancos for 16 years and after coming through the club's academy has become an indispensable team member since his 2009 debut.

Second only perhaps to coach Diego Simeone in the fans' affections, Koke is a perfect combination of skill and drive. Just one player covered more ground during this season's UEFA Champions League group stage and none provided more assists as the midfielder played every minute of their Group A campaign. It appears he is a man on a mission, with Atleti targeting a return to the final.

Atlético reached the final last season. How is the team working to get there again? Has anything changed?

Not at all. We prepare for games based on the opponents we are facing. We analyse their strengths and weaknesses, and use those to our advantage to approach the game and win. 

Atleti are characterised by their ability to constantly evolve and progress, despite the loss of key players. What has Diego Simeone done to keep the team moving forward?

The same as last season. We have different players and they have to adapt. But the most important thing is the group, not just one or two players. We are adapting, the players towards the group, and the group towards the players, merging all that. The work we do on the pitch – running, fighting, giving everything – in the end the important thing is that it all benefits the group. 

How is the team coping after the departures of Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luís and Diego Costa?

Well, the thing is, the players that aren't here any more aren't here. I wish them the best, but on the pitch you can't do anything about it. What's past is past. We enjoyed things with them, and now we are enjoying things with our new team-mates. 

Tell us about working under Diego Simeone.

The coach has a profound effect on us. Assistant coach Germán Burgos has done an incredible job too. Perhaps he is not as intense, and a bit calmer, but the important thing is that we have both of them – they are doing a great job and it shows in the team.

You're only 22 but were hugely impressive in your first UEFA Champions League campaign. How does it feel to be starring in a competition you must have been watching on television just a few years ago?

I am very calm, I keep calm. I am a very normal person, a quiet person. I try to proceed in a very normal way. I keep on being a normal player. I work hard every day and try to improve. Every day I try to be a better person and a better player. I've been at this club since I was a boy, the club has always been part of my life since I was six. So I am a club man and I fight for that as well.

Have you always been a midfielder?

Yes, I've almost always been a central midfielder, sometimes a defensive midfielder. I usually played there growing up. Going through the ranks I also played on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder. I try to adapt to my position, be it on the left, as an attacking midfielder or where I am now. Wherever the coach puts me I just try to help.

Who was your favourite player growing up?

My idol was Juninho [Paulista], and later I focused on some other players. When I was older, I watched Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta. The style of play is very similar to mine in the national team, so I try to focus on them.

When did you realise you were good enough to play football professionally?

When I played at the academy, it was a step up to get to train with the senior team. It seemed possible, even though it wasn't easy because there are very good players in the senior team. But you fight for that and later you get the opportunity. You try to stay strong ... And I've kept up so far.

What is the best advice you have been given in football, and who imparted it?

I remember [some advice] from Antonio López, the captain, before a match against Zaragoza – my first full appearance. He said I should play my normal game – and that I was important – despite having players like Diego Forlán and Sergio Agüero. That helped me a lot to play calmly and do the things I know on the pitch.

How has playing in Europe helped you develop as a footballer?

It gives you a lot of experience for your day-to-day work and life. You experience different leagues, different types of football that you don't get to experience in Spain – against English or German teams – so you benefit from the virtues of other countries and cultures.

What makes Atlético a unique club?

It's a feeling, you know. The way the people experience it here, I don't think it's experienced the same way at other clubs. It is hard to describe exactly what it means to be part of Atleti, but it's unique.