Simeone refuses to comment on Torres future

Diego Simeone has chosen not to reveal the outcome of his
talks with Fernando Torres over the striker's future at
Atletico Madrid.

The 31-year-old's 18-month loan deal at the Vicente
Calderon is due to expire at the end of the season and there
has yet to be any concrete progress in negotiations to make
his switch from AC Milan permanent.

Matters have been further complicated by the club's Fifa-
imposed transfer ban, which is due to kick in at the end of
the season if the club's appeal is not successful.

"We've spoken with Fernando," Simeone told reporters on
Tuesday. "He knows what I think and he's told me what he
thinks. The chat stays between us, but we're still calm."

Simeone has signed Augusto Fernandez and Matias
Kranevitter so far this month and would not rule
out departures before the end of the transfer window.

"You're always unsettled during transfer windows," Simeone
said. "There are agents talking, directors thinking of the best
possible things for us. Hopefully whatever is decided will
give us the chance of staying competitive.

"It's normal that the boys are thinking about the need to
play. They're footballers and the best thing about sport is
competing."

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, confirmed on
Tuesday that he would not consider a change in the
scheduling of the Madrid derby on February 27 despite
Atletico's frustration that the game will take place just three
days after their trip to face PSV in the Champions League.

Simeone, however, would not be drawn into the debate over
the timing, adding: "In life, there are excuses and realities. I
live in realities, because that's what there is. There are
always people who manage this kind of situation but
unfortunately we're on the sidelines. We can only prepare
ourselves and stay strong.

"The most difficult game is against Celta Vigo [in the Copa
del Rey] because it's tomorrow. We know what the
difficulties are, we know how we are and how our opponent
is, we've learned a lot in the last few days. It will be an
intense game.

"I'm focused solely on the game with Celta. Thinking about
another would be dangerous for tomorrow.

"We play every game as if it were a final. We know the
importance the Copa has, how beautiful it was to receive it
at the Bernabeu [in 2013], and we give it a lot of care and
respect. We'll play with the intention of doing the best we
can."