In a recent press conference, Diego Pablo Simeone, the seasoned coach of Atlético de Madrid, expressed his admiration for Inter, who they are scheduled to battle in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. He asserted that Inter is not just any team, but rather, they rank “among the best four or five teams in Europe at the moment.” He anticipates that the upcoming match will be a series of intense face-offs, where the team that comes out on top will be the one that claims victory.
Expanding on his thoughts about Inter, Simeone was keen to acknowledge the team’s current standing in the league as evidence of their caliber. He explained that their performance, not only in the league but also in the Champions League last season, is indicative of their prowess. Specifically, he pointed out their impressive performance against Manchester City in the finale. He believes that this success has boosted their confidence and has them competing at an even higher level.
From a stylistic point of view, Simeone has a deep appreciation for how Inter plays. He finds beauty in the simplicity and concreteness of their game, and he believes their collective effort is the key to their success. He warned that the upcoming match will be a series of individual battles, and the team that emerges victorious from these duels will have the best chance of winning.
As for how Atlético de Madrid will approach the match, Simeone emphasized the need for his team to maintain the same intensity they displayed in recent Copa del Rey matches and the recent game against Las Palmas. He acknowledged that they are up against a formidable opponent who has the ability to launch attacks from any direction. He assured that they will formulate their game strategy in a way that they believe could most effectively exploit Inter’s weaknesses.
Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming match, Simeone agreed that it is one of the most crucial games of the season. He compared it to previous matches against Real Madrid, another formidable rival. He sees the upcoming match as being on par with those high-stakes games.
When asked about his potential choice to play Marcos Llorente in the attack, as was done in the match against UD Las Palmas, Simeone didn’t give away any specifics. He praised Llorente’s unique skills compared to other forwards, noting that he bears a resemblance to Correa in terms of his work ethic and speed. However, he clarified that Llorente is not a pure forward like Morata or Memphis.
In a nostalgic moment, Simeone recalled his time playing for Inter, describing it as the best two years of his career. He fondly remembered the strength of the team and the unwavering support from the fans. He anticipates that his past connection with Inter will stir up emotions during the match.
Lastly, Simeone showered praise on Simone Inzaghi, the man leading Inter from the sidelines. The two have a shared history at Lazio, where they clinched the ‘Scudetto’. Simeone expressed his happiness for Inzaghi’s success with Inter and commended him for his excellent management of the team.
