Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid, addressed the media forward of his group’s upcoming match in opposition to FC Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday – a recreation that can determine the La Liga leaders.
In spite of everything, Los Rojiblancos are degree on factors with league leaders Barça heading into tomorrow’s contest whereas even having a recreation in hand. Moreover, the Blaugrana’s type 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 group had been making ready for this second for over a month and a half.
“The group is working effectively as a unit, looking for in each match the areas the place we imagine we will damage the opponent to be able to compete,” he mentioned.
Cholo went on to spotlight the risk posed by Barcelona’s Raphinha, hailing him as top-of-the-line within the league, saying:
“We face a group 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, reminiscent of Raphinha, who is among the finest in La Liga as a result of his braveness and magnificence of play.
“Now we have our strengths to compete in a match that can be entertaining.”
Relating to tips on how to be courageous in opposition to Barcelona, Simeone acknowledged that the idea of “bravery” might be interpreted in some ways, however for Atletico, the main target is at all times on the group.
“We take into consideration the group, and from there, we are going to work in accordance with what we want to obtain,” he mentioned.
Simeone was additionally requested concerning the affect of Lamine Yamal’s absence for Barcelona, and he didn’t downplay the significance of the participant.
“He’s a unprecedented footballer, and he has been bettering day-to-day. In duels, he is among the finest attacking gamers round,” mentioned the Atleti coach.
“Barcelona do not need one other participant with traits precisely like his, however they do have others, reminiscent of Ferran, Pedri, and Olmo, who can play in a method that seeks a unique strategy to what they want.”
With regards to Barcelona’s ball development, Simeone highlighted how the Catalan membership have constantly pressed excessive from the beginning of the season. He famous:
“I don’t suppose they are going to change below their present supervisor, as issues have been going effectively for them, regardless of the current 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 offers 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 in opposition to seeing this match as a definitive turning level.
“If we solely deal with the thought of taking part in in opposition to Barcelona, we’re heading within the improper path. We should purpose to compete in each match, not simply on this one,” he remarked.
“Believing that successful 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 residence 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 all over the place 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 group able to competing for the La Liga title, Simeone was measured however optimistic.
“Now we have the identical variety of factors as final 12 months. The distinction lies within the factors of Actual Madrid and Barcelona. We’re on the identical path that we at all times take. We’ll see the place the outcomes of the opposite groups depart us in our quest to proceed competing.”
Lastly, Simeone was questioned on the place Barcelona is likely to be weak and the way Atletico might exploit their weaknesses.
He acknowledged that Barcelona’s model of play naturally creates goal-scoring alternatives, although it relies on the opposition’s potential to capitalise on these moments.
“Barcelona’s excessive press creates conditions the place opponents have much less time to suppose. They flood the opponent’s half to turn out to be the protagonists.
“The bottom line is to be scientific when these alternatives come up. They play effectively, however there are at all times moments when opponents can take benefit.”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
