Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football NewsDiego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid, addressed the media forward of his group’s upcoming match towards FC Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday – a recreation that can determine 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 type within the league has been very dodgy of late.
So, when requested if this was the perfect second for Atletico Madrid to face Barcelona, Simeone defined that the group had been getting 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 are able to harm the opponent to be able to compete,” he stated.
Cholo went on to spotlight the menace 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, akin to Raphinha, who is likely one of the finest in La Liga because of his braveness and elegance of play.
“We have now our strengths to compete in a match that will likely be entertaining.”
Relating to learn how to be courageous towards Barcelona, Simeone acknowledged that the idea of “bravery” could possibly be interpreted in some ways, however for Atletico, the main target is all the time on the group.
“We take into consideration the group, and from there, we are going to work in response to what we need to obtain,” he stated.
Simeone was additionally requested concerning the influence 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 enhancing daily. In duels, he is likely one of the finest attacking gamers round,” stated the Atleti coach.
“Barcelona wouldn’t 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 method that seeks a special strategy to what they want.”
With reference 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 assume they’ll change beneath their present supervisor, as issues have been going effectively for them, regardless of the current setbacks.
“They’ve all the time dominated, been higher than their rivals, and managed to win video games. They’ve proven that the type they observe offers them the outcomes they need, which is to be the protagonists of the sport.”
Simeone’s Atletico are stage on factors with Barcelona. (Picture by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Photographs)
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 concentrate on the concept of enjoying towards Barcelona, we’re heading within the incorrect route. We should purpose to compete in each match, not simply on this one,” he remarked.
“Believing that successful in Barcelona will robotically open the door to one thing necessary 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 received 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 tough, 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.
“We have now 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 all the time take. We are going to 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 perhaps susceptible and the way Atletico may exploit their weaknesses.
He acknowledged that Barcelona’s type of play naturally creates goal-scoring alternatives, although it is determined by the opposition’s skill 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 turn into the protagonists.
“The secret is to be scientific when these alternatives come up. They play effectively, however there are all the time moments when opponents can take benefit.”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
