Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid, addressed the media ahead of his team’s upcoming match against FC Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday – a game that will decide the La Liga leaders.
After all, Los Rojiblancos are level on points with league leaders Barça heading into tomorrow’s contest while even having a game in hand. Furthermore, the Blaugrana’s form in the league has been very dodgy of late.
So, when asked if this was the best moment for Atletico Madrid to face Barcelona, Simeone explained that the team had been preparing for this moment for over a month and a half.
“The team is working well as a unit, seeking in every match the areas where we believe we can hurt the opponent in order to compete,” he said.
Cholo went on to highlight the threat posed by Barcelona’s Raphinha, hailing him as one of the best in the league, saying:
“We are facing a team that plays very well. I like the youth they have in the middle of the park, and players who are very skilled at football, such as Raphinha, who is one of the best in La Liga due to his courage and style of play.
“We have our strengths to compete in a match that will be entertaining.”
Regarding how to be brave against Barcelona, Simeone stated that the concept of “bravery” could be interpreted in many ways, but for Atletico, the focus is always on the team.
“We think about the team, and from there, we will work according to what we are looking to achieve,” he said.
Simeone was also asked about the impact of Lamine Yamal’s absence for Barcelona, and he did not downplay the importance of the player.
“He is an extraordinary footballer, and he has been improving day by day. In duels, he is one of the best attacking players around,” said the Atleti coach.
“Barcelona do not have another player with characteristics exactly like his, but they do have others, such as Ferran, Pedri, and Olmo, who can play in a way that seeks a different approach to what they need.”
On the subject of Barcelona’s ball progression, Simeone highlighted how the Catalan club have consistently pressed high from the start of the season. He noted:
“I do not think they will change under their current manager, as things have been going well for them, despite the recent setbacks.
“They have always dominated, been better than their rivals, and managed to win games. They have shown that the style they follow gives them the results they want, which is to be the protagonists of the game.”
Simeone’s Atletico are level on points with Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
In discussing the significance of facing Barcelona in the battle for the La Liga title, Simeone cautioned against seeing this match as a definitive turning point.
“If we only focus on the idea of playing against Barcelona, we are heading in the wrong direction. We must aim to compete in every match, not just in this one,” he remarked.
“Believing that winning in Barcelona will automatically open the door to something important is misguided, as no one can guarantee that. There are still 20 matches remaining.”
Simeone was also asked about his lack of success at Barcelona’s home ground, a stadium where he has not secured a victory.
“In life, it is fortunate that I have not won there. I have managed to win everywhere else, and I did win a league title there,” he remarked.
“It is a challenge to improve. It has been very difficult, and the numbers speak for themselves. Obviously, I have not yet found the key to success there.”
Referring to midfielder Pablo Barrios’ statement that Atletico Madrid have a team capable of competing for the La Liga title, Simeone was measured but optimistic.
“We have the same number of points as last year. The difference lies in the points of Real Madrid and Barcelona. We are on the same path that we always take. We will see where the results of the other teams leave us in our quest to continue competing.”
Finally, Simeone was questioned on where Barcelona might be vulnerable and how Atletico could exploit their weaknesses.
He acknowledged that Barcelona’s style of play naturally creates goal-scoring opportunities, though it depends on the opposition’s ability to capitalise on these moments.
“Barcelona’s high press creates situations where opponents have less time to think. They flood the opponent’s half to become the protagonists.
“The key is to be clinical when those opportunities arise. They play well, but there are always moments when opponents can take advantage.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo