Simeone ahead of Atleti-Real Madrid: Julián could start... | OneFootball

Diego Pablo Simeone spoke at a press conference ahead of Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid.

The runs ahead of the derby

"We’re used to the fact that the previous match has nothing to do with the city derby. I don’t see why our previous matches or theirs should have anything to do with this game."

Will Julián Álvarez play?

"He’ll be with us. Then we’ll decide whether he starts or comes on during the match."

Real Madrid’s counterattacks

"The characteristics of the two teams are such that they have a more powerful transition than we do. Whenever they lose the ball, they look for that option with Mbappé and Vinicius. On our side, we’ll try not to give the ball away, which is what they’ve shown they do best."

The Simeone vs Mourinho duel

"Taking myself back so many years... I can’t think of an answer to please your question. I have a lot of admiration for Mourinho. I admire him a lot. He knows the affection I have for him. Hopefully we compete the way we have when we’ve faced each other."

Grimaldo’s current form

"It’s logical that his adaptation is gradual. In the Real Sociedad match he already took on responsibility, like taking the penalty and then providing an assist. He had a very good game the other day in every phase. We need to help him in the defensive phase and for him to raise his level of effort to balance all the talent he has. First help him, and then let him help us."

Advice for newcomers like Kang In-Lee

"I’m not someone who gives advice, I don’t think I’m in a position to give advice. But I can share experiences. The pressure is normal, as is the excitement a match like tomorrow’s creates, especially at the Metropolitano with our people. Calm, above all calm. Football is confidence. There’s one word, and that’s confidence. If you have confidence in what you do, it may go badly or well, but you’ll go to sleep with peace of mind."

Lookman

"He’s a footballer I’m very fond of and he has a profile we don’t really have much of. He’s the most unbalancing one-on-one player in the box. We need him, whether it’s for 60 minutes, 90, or however long he’s on the pitch. His attacking potential did us a lot of good in December and although his start to the season isn’t what he would have wanted, he’ll show up because he has qualities that are different."

The atmosphere at the Metropolitano

"Madrid is having an incredible week. I got to take part in Formula 1, yesterday I went for a while to see Shakira... Tomorrow it’s Atlético against Madrid. Madrid is growing, there’s a fantastic energy and hopefully we can enjoy it."

Competition in midfield without Barrios

"For us, the growth of each one of them is very good. It gives us the competition we’ve always wanted so we can perform better out on the pitch. Each one has different characteristics. Hopefully we get it right and every decision we make helps us with whatever the match requires."

Motivation for a derby

"It’s different, that’s the reality. There’s enormous tension and excitement because of the competitiveness we’ve managed to recover over these 15 years. Confidence is an important value in this match."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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