In a late kickoff on Sunday night, Barcelona will face Atletico under Diego Simeone in Madrid. As always, it will be a tense and nervy encounter between the two Spanish giants. Atletico Madrid did not have the best of starts to the 2022/23 season. The club’s early exit from the Champions League followed by a slow domestic start led some to question Simeone’s continuity.
With three wins out of three since club football restarted, the Rojiblancos enter Sunday’s match with momentum on their side. In advance of his team’s match against Barcelona, Diego Simeone spoke to the media.
Pre-match press conference of Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone was asked whether he would talk with Pablo Barrios before the matchup.
“The personality and tranquility of each one is based on the confidence that one has in oneself as a player, so there will be no talk with Pablo if it is his turn to start.”
Diego Simeone also talks about his midfield choice.
“We still haven’t resolved who is going to play there in the middle. Lemar, Koke are working very well, especially Pablo and Kondogbia. Football is a game that asks you to do what you normally see in training or in matches, whether you are 20 or 35 years old.”
He also points out the advantage they have due to Lionel Messi’s absence.
“Where Messi is will always be decisive, be it in the national team, in his current team or Barcelona. With a player of Leo’s characteristics, there is a chance to win.”
Diego Simeone also talks about Joao Felix in the midst of the conference.
“It’s a good opportunity for the team, to continue growing, improving as a team and capturing what we want in the game. We hope to take the game to where we want to take it and we need it against a team like Barcelona.”
When asked a question on whether Atletico are better now than in their previous encounter against the Catalans, he said.
“Difficult, it’s very difficult to answer. It’s a good question. Anything I answer will be used against me. They are different teams, it’s very difficult to compare.”
Diego Simeone also talks about the difficulty of facing Raphinha, Dembele.
“They did very well last time, we started winning, but with the wingers wide open they hurt us a lot on the outside. With Raphinha, Dembélé, Ansu Fati, Memphis, Ferran… anyone in a one-on-one is a very dangerous player.”
Anyway, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will definitely try to out best their opponents in their current matchup.
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