© Provided by Daily MailMailOnline logo
Diego Simeone refused to turn on his players and said he still retains 'trust' in them to turn their last-16 tie against Chelsea around, despite a first-leg defeat in Bucharest.
Olivier Giroud got the only goal of the game to give Chelsea a precious advantage heading into the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Atletico have wobbled in LaLiga of late and that crossed into Europe with Tuesday night's defeat in Bucharest, the host venue with the match unable to go ahead in Spain, but Simeone is still refusing to hit the panic button.
© Provided by Daily MailAtletico Madrid put on a blunt display as they were beaten by Chelsea in Champions League
© Provided by Daily MailDiego Simeone accepted his side are in a 'difficult moment' but he still 'trusts' his players
'Looking three weeks ahead is too far,' Simeone said.
'We have a lot of games until then. We'll be playing against an opponent with speed and will need to be able to stop it, to deal with forwards like Giroud and other powerful players.
'We need to have more of the ball and position ourselves better in attack. We'll work on it, but we also have an important game against Villarreal.
© Provided by Daily MailOlivier Giroud scored a sensational acrobatic effort in Bucharest to win the game for Chelsea
© Provided by Daily MailChelsea return to Stamford Bridge with a precious advantage heading into the second leg
'Work, work, work. I trust the team we have. If we were in the month of September and they told me we've lost but we're still leading, I'd sign for it.'
Video: Ancelotti very happy with 2-0 victory against Liverpool (Daily Mail)
Ancelotti very happy with 2-0 victory against Liverpool
UP NEXT
Atletico face a defining period of their season as they must now try to shake their bad form in a bid to protect their No 1 status in LaLiga.
Simeone's side are three points clear of rivals Real Madrid and they will meet in a derby at the Wanda Metropolitano in two games time, after Atletico travel to play Unai Emery's Villarreal.
© Provided by Daily MailAtletico have won once in their last four games and now face a season-defining run of games
Atletico have now won just one of their last four matches in all competitions and Simeone accepts his side are in a testing situation.
'We are in a difficult moment, it is the reality,' he added.
'More based on the results than what happened on the field. We have to occupy ourselves, work and improve.
'At the moment, the game is difficult. They have an advantage, but I trust my team.'
Read more