Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid, addressed the media forward of his workforce’s at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday – a recreation that may resolve the La Liga leaders.
In any case, Los Rojiblancos are stage on factors with league leaders Barça heading into tomorrow’s contest whereas even having a recreation in hand. Moreover, the Blaugrana’s kind within the league has been very dodgy of late.
So, when requested if this was one of the best second for Atletico Madrid to face Barcelona, Simeone defined that the workforce had been making ready for this second for over a month and a half.
“The workforce is working effectively as a unit, looking for in each match the areas the place we imagine we will harm the opponent so as to compete,” he mentioned.
Cholo went on to spotlight the risk posed by Barcelona’s Raphinha, hailing him as probably the greatest within the league, saying:
“We face a workforce that performs very effectively. I just like the youth they’ve in the course of the park, and gamers who’re very expert at soccer, akin to Raphinha, who is among the greatest in La Liga attributable to his braveness and magnificence of play.
“We’ve our strengths to compete in a match that can be entertaining.”
Concerning the way to be courageous towards Barcelona, Simeone acknowledged that the idea of “bravery” may very well be interpreted in some ways, however for Atletico, the main target is at all times on the workforce.
“We take into consideration the workforce, and from there, we are going to work in keeping with what we wish to obtain,” he mentioned.
Simeone was additionally requested concerning the , and he didn’t downplay the significance of the participant.
“He’s a unprecedented footballer, and he has been bettering daily. In duels, he is among the greatest attacking gamers round,” mentioned the Atleti coach.
“Barcelona should not have one other participant with traits precisely like his, however they do have others, akin to Ferran, Pedri, and Olmo, who can play in a manner that seeks a special strategy to what they want.”
With reference to Barcelona’s ball development, Simeone highlighted how the Catalan membership have persistently pressed excessive from the beginning of the season. He famous:
“I don’t assume they’ll change below their present supervisor, as issues have been going effectively for them, regardless of the latest setbacks.
“They’ve at all times dominated, been higher than their rivals, and managed to win video games. They’ve proven that the model they observe provides them the outcomes they need, which is to be the protagonists of the sport.”
In discussing the importance of going through Barcelona within the battle for the La Liga title, Simeone cautioned towards seeing this match as a definitive turning level.
“If we solely give attention to the concept of taking part in towards Barcelona, we’re heading within the flawed path. We should goal to compete in each match, not simply on this one,” he remarked.
“Believing that profitable in Barcelona will routinely open the door to one thing vital is misguided, as nobody can assure that. There are nonetheless 20 matches remaining.”
Simeone was additionally requested about his lack of success at Barcelona’s dwelling floor, a stadium the place he has not secured a victory.
“In life, it’s lucky that I’ve not gained there. I’ve managed to win in all places else, and I did win a league title there,” he remarked.
“It’s a problem to enhance. It has been very troublesome, and the numbers communicate for themselves. Clearly, I’ve not but discovered the important thing to success there.”
Referring to midfielder Pablo Barrios’ assertion that Atletico Madrid have a workforce able to competing for the La Liga title, Simeone was measured however optimistic.
“We’ve the identical variety of factors as final yr. The distinction lies within the factors of Actual Madrid and Barcelona. We’re on the identical path that we at all times take. We are going to see the place the outcomes of the opposite groups go away us in our quest to proceed competing.”
Lastly, Simeone was questioned on the place Barcelona is perhaps susceptible and the way Atletico might exploit their weaknesses.
He acknowledged that Barcelona’s model of play naturally creates goal-scoring alternatives, although it depends upon the opposition’s capability to capitalise on these moments.
“Barcelona’s excessive press creates conditions the place opponents have much less time to assume. They flood the opponent’s half to change into the protagonists.
“The secret is to be scientific when these alternatives come up. They play effectively, however there are at all times moments when opponents can take benefit.”
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