Atletico Madrid boss Simeone wary of Barcelona’s quality – ‘They are extraordinary’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday night in their first game after the international break.

The Blaugrana have faced the Rojiblancos thrice in all competitions this season, winning two and losing one – although they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey semi-final by Diego Simeone’s men.

With three more meetings set to take place between the two teams over the next ten days (1 in La Liga, 2 in UCL), Barça will be hoping to gain momentum by drawing first blood in tomorrow’s clash.

Simeone aware of Barcelona’s quality

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s clash at the Metropolitano, Atletico manager Simeone acknowledged the threat that Barcelona players carry.

Indeed, when asked which Barça star would be the most dangerous in tomorrow’s encounter, the Argentine manager said:

“All their players because they are extraordinary and have the ability to play in the opponent’s half, not letting you think.”

As mentioned earlier, the two teams have already collided thrice and will do so on three more occasions. Talking about the familiarity aspect of facing Barcelona so frequently, Simeone noted:

“Football is first and foremost about the players, beyond the tactics and ideas of the coaches. They are the ones who ultimately decide these matches, their experience and quality.”

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid clash for the 4th time. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Barça have played a certain way for the last two years, since this coach arrived, with their high defensive line, which won’t change because it’s their style of play and their positioning for winning duels and, by winning those duels, being able to attack.

“We have played with our own characteristics for 14 years, and we will continue working hard to be able to compete against them.”

On whether tomorrow’s match is the most important one, as it is worth three points in the league and can set the tone for the UCL clashes coming up, Simeone replied:

“It’s the same as all the others.”

On the racism incident during Spain’s friendly against Egypt this past weekend, which sparked a strong response from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, Simeone remarked:

“I think it’s a social and global issue, not just in Spain, Brazil, or Argentina: respect was lost several years ago. The respect we had for our parents and teachers, for the police officer and the director of a club, for the coach, for the presidents.

“It was lost, and we don’t have it today. We all have to work with the awareness and understanding that with faith, believing in God and knowing that the path is to believe, we can improve.”

Source: AS