Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone insists he's to blame, not his players, after being bundled out of the Copa del Rey by Cultural Leonesa.

Just days after returning from Saudi Arabia with the Supercopa de Espana trophy, Atletico are out of the Copa at the hands of Segunda B Culural Leonesa.

Simeone insisted afterwards, "Their goalkeeper had a fantastic night. We did not have the necessary forcefulness you need and the rival had ambition and enthusiasm to tie. I remember the chances of Vitolo, Saponjic, Saúl ... We couldn't score and the responsibility is absolutely mine.

"We are out of a very beautiful competition that does not allow you to stumble. I congratulate the opponent and look internally.

"There were always delicate moments in other seasons. It has not changed me to lose two Champions League finals and other defeats and I will not change now. I fully believe in my players. This should not happen, but it can happen. I have an important and sure squad that the results will accompany us shortly."

Asked directly if a cycle is over at Atletico, Simeone replied: "You are in a place where you need to give your opinion and we have to work. I believe in my players, but today we were not concrete in front of the goal."