Simeone backs Le Normand: 'Football is a game of mistakes'

At his press conference, Simeone fielded several questions about Le Normand's error. He argued that goals almost always stem from a mistake and described the centre-back as a very good-natured and honourable person, adding that it was only natural for him to be upset.

Diego Simeone's press conference quickly turned to the Robin Le Normand error that opened the scoring. A Radio Marca journalist asked him whether, against opponents of this calibre, a mistake like that is unforgivable for a side that wants to compete with the best.

Simeone replied that football is built on plenty of good individual actions, but also on constant mistakes: poor defending, losing the ball, failing to mark at a corner. Football is full of errors, he said, which is why there are so many goals, and those who know how to capitalise on them reap the rewards. Simeone said: "Football is made up of a lot of good things, but also a lot of mistakes. It's full of them, that's why there are so many goals. Those who take advantage of those chances are the best."

Asked whether Le Normand had been annoyed when he was substituted, Simeone explained: "Robin is good-natured and honourable. It's normal for him to be upset, like any footballer who makes a mistake."