Simeone: There's more to Atletico than Falcao

24 Jan 2013 11:10:00

The Argentine coach has stressed that the Colchoneros have adequate cover for the injured Colombian striker ahead of Thursday's cup encounter

Diego Simeone is confident that Atletico Madrid have what it takes to cope with the absence of star striker Radamel Falcao.

The Colombia international picked up a hamstring injury at the weekend and will consequently miss Thursday's Copa del Rey match against Betis.

Simeone is not too worried, though, as he feels Atletico have more than enough alternatives for the prolific attacker.

"Falcao is a very important part of our team, but we also have Diego Costa, Adrian [Lopez] and Raul Garcia, who can all play in his position and can do it well," the Atleti coach said at a press conference.

Atletico recorded a 2-0 win over Betis in the first leg, but Simeone has warned that the tie is not over yet.

"Betis have great supporters and they always get behind their team. It will be a tough game for us against a team that play good, explosive football. That's what we are worried about.

"They are a tough team and we cannot let our focus drop for even a minute."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets

Inside Goal.Com

Arsenal hold their nerve in top-four battle
Arsene Wenger's side produced a clinical performance to secure a top-four Premier League finish but now they must kick on if they wish to challenge for honours next year
Player Ratings: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny's 52nd-minute volley secured the Gunners the win over Alan Pardew's side and made sure they would be playing Champions League football next season
Player Ratings: West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a farewell to remember, but certainly not for the right reasons as the Romelu Lukaku-led hosts battled back from three goals down to earn an unlikely point
Player Ratings: Tottenham 1-0 Sunderland
A sensational strike from star attacker Gareth Bale as ultimately not enough as Spurs miss out on a place in next season's Champions League by one point to arch-rivals Arsenal
Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Fernando Torres proves the match winner for the hosts as Rafael Benitez sees out his Blues managerial tenure with exciting and narrow victory over David Moyes' side