Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Cadena COPE, Simeone addressed the club's early struggles following a 2-1 loss to Espanyol and draws against newly promoted sides Elche and Alaves.
"There's no justification for the two points out of nine," Simeone said. "We didn't play as badly as we've done in the past, yet we have fewer points. I live by points. I'd rather play badly and get results. This time, we haven't."
Despite the slow start, Simeone rejected the idea that Atletico are already out of the title race.
"Last year we were ten behind Barcelona, and by December we were first. Football is ever-changing. We have to accept criticism. It's fair because we haven't scored the points we should have but we also need to keep working, improve what hasn't been good, and strengthen what has. Not everything is bad," said 'El Cholo'.
Simeone also pushed back on suggestions that his long tenure at the club has led to complacency.
"I don't feel bulletproof," said the Argentine. "The most normal thing in football is that coaches change, but I've had something unusual happen to me here. Still, I try not to get comfortable. I know we have to win.
"I'm not happy finishing third, although it's important for the club. If we hadn't finished third consistently for thirteen years, we wouldn't be where we are today. But it's time to win. We have to win again."
Asked whether Atletico can realistically compete with La Liga's biggest spenders, Simeone acknowledged the challenge.
"Let's not fool ourselves. Raphinha is Raphinha, Lewandowski is Lewandowski, Mbappe is Mbappe, Vin cius is Vin cius," he said. "But we've beaten Messi's Barcelona and Cristiano's Madrid before. If we give 110 percent, we can do it. If we give 80 percent, we come third."
Atletico return to action this weekend with a home match against Villarreal. With rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona also facing difficult fixtures, Simeone's side will be under pressure to secure their first win of the season.
"We know what's at stake. We have to keep growing, and that means winning. It's not about just being competitive anymore. We need results," concluded Simeone.
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