Simeone welcomes competition for places at Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is hopeful competition within his squad can help them perform well this season. Simeone bolstered his side this week with the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, while former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, Spain defender Robin Le Normand and ex-Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth have also arrived this summer. Simeone is hoping a competitive environment on the training pitch will benefit his team’s performances on the pitch. He told a press conference: "We are in the process of finalising the squad. We are looking to have competition, because that will allow everyone to raise their status."We need to compete with each other as we always did. And from competing with each other, we will compete better outside.” Atletico opened their L aLiga campaign with a 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Monday. Up next for Simeone’s side is their first home match of the season against Girona on Sunday night. (PA Media/DPA)