Simeone rues Atletico's lack of precision

It worries me, as always, but I can't stop appreciating, says the coach

MADRID:

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone bemoaned his side's wastefulness in front of goal after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 home draw by Espanyol in LaLiga on Wednesday.

Atletico had 25 shots on goal but Espanyol's defence were up to the task with several blocks and clearances while the visiting side's goalkeeper Joan Garcia made seven saves to go home with a valuable point.

Simeone said his side were undone by a "lack of precision" in front of goal.

"It worries me, as always, but I can't stop appreciating the good game the team played. When you have five clear goalscoring opportunities like the ones we had?" Simeone told Movistar.

"Well, they didn't go in, but the opportunities we created were the result of our play, not by chance. We expected to win, but they defended well and we were not convincing. If you don't score, it's very difficult.

"The team played very well, they made a very strong start to the first half. Then we dropped off a bit, that's why we made the changes. In the second half, we didn't have so many chances to score, but we played well."

Simeone made three changes at halftime to freshen things up, with Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Pablo Barrios coming on, although eyebrows were raised when Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth was replaced by defender Reinildo.