Sven happy despite Atleti loss
Print Edition
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson proclaimed himself happy with the performance of his players despite Shanghai SIPG’s 0-3 defeat to Atletico Madrid at Shanghai Stadium last night.
Antoine Griezmann’s brace and a header by second-half substitute Fernando Torres helped the 2014 La Liga champion win the Wanda International Football Tournament in front of more than 35,000 spectators.
“I’m happy with the way we played, though the result is not good as we missed three or four chances,” said the Swede, who was without the injured Davi, Tobias Hysen and captain Sun Xiang, while four other starters were representing China at the East Asian Cup in Wuhan.
“It (result) is within our expectation considering we met one of the top teams in Europe.”
SIPG’s Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan also missed the match though he was listed on the bench.
Eriksson’s old acquaintance and Atletico manager Diego Simeone was obviously satisfied with the final scoreline.
“I’m happy to see my players picking up form gradually. The last four preseason warm-up matches have served their purpose,” said the Argentine.
It was the Chinese Super League leader that launched the first two attacks minutes into the kickoff, though the Spanish side soon showed its efficiency when striker Griezmann made use of a counterattack in the eighth minute to fire a powerful shot from near the circle into the net. The Frenchman had another chance in the 24th after SIPG goalkeeper Sun Le blocked two back-to-back shots but couldn’t stop the follow-up attempt by Griezmann.
Lucas Hernandez hit the SIPG post four minutes later but it was left to Torres, who came on in the second half amid loud cheers from fans, to head in the third goal with his first touch.
Chinese midfielder Xu Xin, who has been training with Atletico’s second tier team, was sent on in the 63rd and was impressive, providing two accurate passes for Torres though there no more goals.
Simeone praised Xu’s debut for Atletico, describing the youngster as “very eager”, adding that he “found pace quickly after being sent onto the pitch”.
“He is a young player, who has potential to become both a good footballer and a good person.”
Simoene said he was very happy to catch up with Eriksson, his former coach at Lazio.
“We congratulated each other for the achievements we’ve made. SIPG is already oozing with Eriksson’s brand of football. I wish them good luck.”
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