3 August 2007, by Sean Gillen

Simao satisfied with debut

Ajax 2-0 Atletico Madrid

New Atletico Madrid signing Simao Sabrosa has admitted that he was happy to make his first appearance for the club in Wednesday’s friendly defeat to Ajax.

The former Benfica captain came on at half time for Los Rojiblancos in the Amsterdam tournament match, while Costinha and Maniche were both also involved in the game.

Despite the loss, it was an encouraging performance from Simao and Atletico, who are currently in the process of integrating several summer arrivals, and Manager Javier Aguirre stated: “The Portuguese player was good, he had a few chances,” when asked about Simao’s performance.

“The important thing is always the team,” said Simao after the match. “I felt really good, I’ve been here for a short time and I’m getting to know my team-mates, but the feelings were good.

“I appreciate Javier Aguirre’s statements. I believe that I have to get to know my team-mates better. We are in the pre-season and there is a lot to improve upon, but when the UEFA Cup starts I am sure we will be at a better level.

“There are a lot of new players and we have to settle into the methods of the coach. There are two weeks ahead of us to keep on working. I think that we’ll have come together by the opening League match against Real Madrid.”

Ajax:
Stekelenburg; Heitinga, Stam (Maduro, 46), Vermaelen, Emanuelson; Gabri, Kennedy, Sneijder, Colin; Huntelaar (Donald, 72), Ogararu

Atletico de Madrid:
Abbiati; Seitaridis, Pablo, Eller, Antonio Lopez; Maxi, Costinha (Maniche, 57), Raúl García, Jurado (Simao, 46); Mista (Luis García, 57), Braulio

Goals:
[1-0] Gabri, 47
[2-0] Sneijder, 59