Home
Atlético de Madrid's reverse at home to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey was not down to Sergio Agüero's absence and was simply because the hosts did not play well enough, according to Diego Forlán.
Diego Forlán believes that Atlético de Madrid did not play well against Barcelona but does not think that Sergio Agüero's absence was the key to the Copa del Rey defeat.
Los Colchoneros were beaten at the Vicente Calderón by a Lionel Messi hat-trick on Tuesday evening and the Uruguayan striker recognised that his side did not perform.
Atlético lost 3-1 in the first leg of the cup encounter and the decision not to play Agüero throughout the game raised a few eyebrows, but Forlán does not think that was important.
“We did not play at our usual level, although I don’t think that we gave away the first half. We were up against Barcelona and we all know about their potential. They don’t tend to miss and they played at a high level," he told reporters after the game.
"One player doesn’t make a team. Matches are won by eleven players. We did not miss Agüero any more than we would any other player.
"Sinama took his place and we played at a good level. Regarding Messi, we all know about his qualities and his potential; he didn’t surprise anybody with his game.”
With the second leg still to come at Camp Nou, Forlán stated that Atlético must not believe that they are already out and look forward to trying to turn the scoreline around.
"There are 90 minutes left and we’re professionals. It’s tough to come back from a 1-3 deficit, but while there’s life there’s hope,” he added.
Diego Forlán believes that Atlético de Madrid did not play well against Barcelona but does not think that Sergio Agüero's absence was the key to the Copa del Rey defeat.
Los Colchoneros were beaten at the Vicente Calderón by a Lionel Messi hat-trick on Tuesday evening and the Uruguayan striker recognised that his side did not perform.
Atlético lost 3-1 in the first leg of the cup encounter and the decision not to play Agüero throughout the game raised a few eyebrows, but Forlán does not think that was important.
“We did not play at our usual level, although I don’t think that we gave away the first half. We were up against Barcelona and we all know about their potential. They don’t tend to miss and they played at a high level," he told reporters after the game.
"One player doesn’t make a team. Matches are won by eleven players. We did not miss Agüero any more than we would any other player.
"Sinama took his place and we played at a good level. Regarding Messi, we all know about his qualities and his potential; he didn’t surprise anybody with his game.”
With the second leg still to come at Camp Nou, Forlán stated that Atlético must not believe that they are already out and look forward to trying to turn the scoreline around.
"There are 90 minutes left and we’re professionals. It’s tough to come back from a 1-3 deficit, but while there’s life there’s hope,” he added.
