Real Madrid star aims brutal dig at Diego Simeone – ‘Hasn’t gotten over the two CL finals he lost’

Dani Ceballos was one of Real Madrid’s star performers today as they thrashed UD Las Palmas 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to move to the top of the La Liga table.

Starting in the middle of the park alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, the Spaniard put on a fine performance and even received a fine reception from the fans at the Bernabeu.

Shots fired towards Simeone

Ceballos was one of the Real Madrid stars who spoke to the media after the match and was asked about the comments made by Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.

The Rojiblancos boss had insinuated that Real Madrid had been receiving favourable treatment from referees ‘for 100 years’ after a controversial penalty call during the Copa del Rey clash between the Merengues and Celta Vigo.

Hitting back at the Atletico boss, Ceballos said: “I think he still hasn’t got over the two Champions League finals he lost to Real Madrid.

“They have their opinions, we have to keep working. And we are still on the same line, which is to keep winning. And to enjoy this victory.”

Regarding the title race, in which Real Madrid are now two points ahead of Atletico and seven clear of Barcelona, Ceballos remarked:

“We knew yesterday’s results. And we knew the importance of today. We had in mind that in two or three weeks it’s the derby and, from there, we built the importance of Las Palmas. Let’s keep on winning.”

On performance and fans

Talking about the performance of the team on the day against Las Palmas, the midfielder said:

“It was important to win today, given yesterday’s results. We started hesitantly, badly… but we gained confidence. With the 0-1 we took a step forward and, in the end, we played one of the most complete matches of the season.

“On a personal level I’m also gaining confidence, feeling more comfortable.”

On the ovation he received from the Madridistas at the Bernabeu, he stated: “I’m grateful to the fans. That’s all I can say. We were coming from results… so we could understand a bit of criticism, but we are turning it around by working hard and getting results.”

Talking about whether he understood the criticism coming towards the team from fans this season, Ceballos remarked:

“You can understand them, because you can lose, but in a different way. The image is important and the Super Cup was tough. We did some self-criticism in the dressing room and the team has taken a step forward since then.

“There were no easy games coming up, but we knew how important they were, as well as the importance of continuing to work and win. We had two great games (Celta and Las Palmas).”

Talking about what manager Carlo Ancelotti asked of the players after the humbling defeat against Barcelona in the Super Cup, Ceballos said:

“He insisted that the defeat against Barcelona should not cause us to lose confidence, that we were very good. That he wouldn’t change any of us for any of them. That he still believed.

“The team is getting better, some players are adapting and we are looking more compact. Now we have to prove it.”

On Mbappe, Alaba

Ceballos also reserved praise for star forward Kylian Mbappe, who walked away with the man of the match award today for his two goals and a solid all-round performance.

“He was devilish. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a player make such a difference on the pitch. This is the Kylian we’ve all seen before, but everything takes time to adapt,” said the Spaniard.

“He has gone little by little, from less to more and, right now, he is being a differential player for us.”

The midfielder also expressed his happiness at having David Alaba back playing after over a year, as he said:

“Apart from today’s victory, it’s the best news we can take away. David can help us a lot on the pitch, but you don’t know how important it is to have him, especially in the dressing room. He is a leader, someone fundamental. A person who is needed.”

On whether he now feels like a regular starter at Real Madrid, Ceballos remarked: “Apart from three or four players who are fundamental, the rest of us can’t feel like starters. The most important thing is that we are all very good, capable of getting into the eleven. Let’s add up.”

Source: AS