Diego Simeone waxes lyrical about Hansi Flick’s Barcelona – ‘It’s beautiful’ | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with Telemundo Deportes (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on Hansi Flick’s Barcelona team, claiming that he enjoys watching how they play.

The Argentine tactician named the Blaugrana as one of the three teams he loves to watch, alongside Serie A champions Inter Milan and Premier League title-holders Manchester City.

Simeone impressed with Flick’s Barcelona

Barça have made some notable changes to the way they usually play since Flick took over the reins of the team during the summer, succeeding club legend Xavi Hernandez.

And, the style of play, with the high-intensity pressing and a very high backline, have seemingly made a big impression on Atletico Madrid boss Simeone.

“I really like, I like a lot, Barcelona, for the way they are playing. I don’t know if they will manage to sustain this level, with a high press, leaving space behind to defend, but they have young players, and Flick has caught them at an ideal moment,” said Simeone.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have caught Simeone’s eye. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

The Atletico Madrid manager also highlighted the terrific form showcased by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who is leading the race for the Pichichi Trophy, saying:

“They have Lewandowski, who is having an incredible season so far.”

Continuing to rave about the style of play employed by the current La Liga leaders, Simeone added:

“The football they are showing is the type you enjoy watching, it’s beautiful. Breaks, pressure, space behind, one-on-one duels… They do it really well.”

Simeone’s comments come as a compliment to Barcelona’s revival under Flick, particularly highlighting the team’s aggressive pressing and dynamic offensive play.

It has seen the Catalans re-establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Europe while they are also sitting atop the La Liga standings.

Barcelona will lock horns with Atletico Madrid next week in their final game before the Christmas break.