Atletico boss Simeone demanding even more from in-form Falcao

22/04/2012 9:15:00 PM

The former Porto frontman has been in sensational goalscoring form this season but his Argentine coach is adamant that the forward is capable of playing even better

Radamel Falcao may be one of the form strikers in Europe at the moment, but Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is demanding more from the Colombian hitman.

The Rojiblancos striker has netted 32 goals in 43 games in all competitions this season but Simeone, who coached the forward during his time in charge of River Plate, still feels that the 26-year-old has more to offer.

"He's a guy that I've know since he was a kid and I know what his attributes are," the Argentine told reporters on Saturday.

"His great strength is that he always wants more - and he can give us more. He's a passionate professional, a winner.

"And when you ask more of him, he does not let up. He's in a good spell but he can give us even more."

Falcao's goals have propelled Atletico to within one game of the Europa League final and also kept them in contention for a place in next season's Champions League.

The Rojiblancos currently sit ninth in La Liga but they are just six points off fourth-placed Malaga going into Sunday's crunch clash with Espanyol.

"They will be tough opponents," Simeone argued. "They are difficult to beat and have good young players.

"They have a good, quick midfield with players who are good in one-on-one situations and that can also destabilise you, like Verdu."

Atletico's meeting with Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon kicks off at 18.00CET.