Joao Felix: "I'm perfectly comfortable with Atletico's style of play now"
Speaking to US-based media on 'LaLiga Spotlight', Joao Felix spoke about Atletico as well as the Qatar World Cup with the Portuguese national team. Yunus Musah, Valencia's midfielder and USMNT star was also present. This upcoming Monday, Joao and Atletico Madrid will visit Valencia, the game will be exclusively available on ESPN+ for the US market, and will be broadcast on Monday August 29th at 4:00pm (EST).
Joao Felix's thoughts on playing with Atletico Madrid
"At the beginning it was not usual to me. In Benfica I played a different kind of football, but I knew I needed to adapt as quickly as I could. That's what I tried to do in the first seasons. And now I'm perfectly comfortable with this style of play. If I'm here to play for Atletico, I need to play in this style. In the beginning, it was difficult. I wasn't used to that pressure. With time and the right people near me, it got to be normal. Now I can live perfectly with that".
What are Atleti's ambitions this season?
"I feel like we're going to have a great season. Our ambition is the same every year: to win titles. We have lots of competitions to focus on this season".
Thoughts on Simeone as a head coach
"As you all know, he is one of the most passionate coaches in the entjre world of football. There are so many moments when Simeone shows his passion. It's normal for him. In al the games it's the same: whether it's against the last team of the table, or the first. That passion has been transmitted to us as well. So we try to transmit that in return on the field to the fans and the people that watch us play".
Will the Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United drama affect Portugal ahead of Qatar 2022?
"Cristiano is always Cristiano, even if he is not playing. It's a honor for us to have him in the team. Even if he is 38, it's always good for us to count on him. I think that the fact the team Manchester is not doing well, that will not affect our National team and we'll have a great World Cup".
Valencia-Atletico: how has Atletico prepared?
"We have seen some videos. I can't talk too much because Yunus (Musah) will talk to his coach (laughs). We are preparing the week for the way they play, they defend and attack in a certain style.It's something we do for all games. It's a difficult team. In Mestalla it's always difficult to play.
What went wrong against Villarreal?
"They had more patience than us. They played well, they defended well. We didn't play a great game. Sometimes that happens in football".
How is your English so good?
"In Portugal we have English classes available since the 1st grade. Afterwards, it's optional. But I always took English. And then I also improved my English playing games and watching TV series".
On that note, what TV shows are you watching now?
"I'm watching Vikings right now. And in the past I already watched Prison Break, House of Dragons, Suits, The 100, and more".
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