Atlético Madrid underwent a summer of change, but Koke insists nothing has changed with the club.

“Nothing has changed. We prepare for games based on the opponents we are facing. We analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and use those to our advantage to approach the game and win.

“We have different players and they have to adapt. But the most important thing is the group, not just one or two players. We are adapting, the players towards the group, and the group towards the players, merging all that. The work we do on the pitch – running, fighting, giving everything – in the end the important thing is that it all benefits the group.

“Well, the thing is, the players that aren’t here any more aren’t here. I wish them the best, but on the pitch you can’t do anything about it. What’s past is past. We enjoyed things with them, and now we are enjoying things with our new team-mates.”

Koke then spoke about Diego Simeone and praised the manager, as well as assistant manager Mono Burgos.

“The coach has a profound effect on us. Assistant coach Germán Burgos has done an incredible job too. Perhaps he is not as intense, and a bit calmer, but the important thing is that we have both of them – they are doing a great job and it shows in the team.”