Friday 2 March 2018 07:54, UK
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says "it would be better" if there was one worldwide transfer deadline day.
Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan left Atletico for Chinese club Dalian Yifang on Monday, reducing Simeone's squad to 19 players for the remainder of the season.
Simeone has been critical of the timing of China's transfer window, which closed on February 28, saying it leaves European clubs in a vulnerable position if Chinese teams bid for their players after the January deadline.
Speaking ahead of last week's deals, he said: "It's an uncomfortable time. It [transfer deadline] staying open until February 28 means there are two more months for a player's head to be turned.
"It would be better if we had one deadline day for everyone. It would mean players, clubs and coaches could all be a lot more relaxed."
Simeone refused to be critical of the duo for leaving the club and said he understood why money would motivate their decision to move to Asia, with Carrasco reported to be earning £9m-a-year on his new deal.
"I don't stick my nose into the personal preferences of people. All the time it's for sporting development I am happy," said Simeone.
"If it's for economic growth, well that's a personal choice. In football nothing surprises me. These choices can always be made."
