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Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media ahead of his team’s upcoming match against FC Barcelona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday, a match that will decide the La Liga leaders.
After all, The Red and Whites They are tied on points with league leader Barça heading into tomorrow’s game and even have a game in hand. Furthermore, the blaugrana The form in the league has been very iffy lately.
Thus, when asked if this was the best time for Atlético de Madrid to face Barcelona, Simeone explained that the team had been preparing for this moment for more than a month and a half.
“The team is working well as a unit, looking in each game for the areas in which we believe we can hurt the opponent in order to compete.” said.
cholo He went on to highlight the threat that Barcelona’s Raphinha represents, 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 field, and players who have a lot of football talent, like Raphinha, who is one of the best in the League for his bravery and style of play.
“We have our strengths to compete in a game that will be entertaining.”
Regarding how to be brave against Barcelona, Simeone stated that the concept of “bravery” can be interpreted in many ways, but for Atlético the focus is always on the team.
“We think about the team and from there we will work according to what we seek to achieve.” said.
Simeone was also asked about the impact that Lamine Yamal’s loss would have on Barcelona, and he did not downplay the importance of the player.
“He is an extraordinary footballer and has been improving day by day. In duels he is one of the best offensive players there are.” he said athletes coach.
“Barcelona does not have another player with characteristics exactly the same as theirs, but they do have others, like Ferran, Pedri and Olmo, who can play in a way that seeks a different approach to what they need.”
Regarding Barcelona’s ball progression, Simeone highlighted how the Catalan club has consistently pressed high since the start of the season. He noted:
“I don’t think they will change under their current coach, as they have done well, despite recent setbacks.
“They always dominated, they were better than their rivals and they managed to win games. “They have shown that the style they follow gives them the result they want, which is to be the protagonists of the game.”
Discussing the importance of facing Barcelona in the battle for the La Liga title, Simeone cautioned against viewing this match as a definitive turning point.
“If we only focus on the idea of playing against Barcelona, we are going in the wrong direction. We must aspire to compete in all games, not just this one.” he commented.
“Believing that winning in Barcelona will automatically open the door to something important is a mistake, because no one can guarantee it. “There are still 20 games left.”
Simeone was also asked about his lack of success at Barcelona’s stadium, a stadium where he has not achieved any victory.
“In life it is lucky not to have won there. I have managed to win everywhere else and won a league title there.” he commented.
“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’ claim that Atlético Madrid has a team capable of competing for the league title, Simeone was measured but optimistic.
“We have the same amount of points as last year. The difference is in the points of Real Madrid and Barcelona. We are on the same path we always take. We will see where the results of the other teams leave us in our quest to continue competing.”
Finally, Simeone was asked where Barcelona could be vulnerable and how Atlético could exploit their weaknesses.
He acknowledged that Barcelona’s style of play naturally creates scoring opportunities, although it depends on the opponent’s ability to take advantage of those moments.
“Barcelona’s high pressure creates situations in which rivals have less time to think. They flood the opposing field to become protagonists.
“The key is to be clinical when those opportunities arise. They play well, but there are always moments in which the rivals can take advantage.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
