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Soccer

ATLÉTICO - BAYERN

Hitzfeld: Atlético wouldn't be top-four team without Simeone

The former Bayern Munich boss has offered a stark assessment of Diego Simeone's influence on the Germans' Champions League opponents.

As.com
Hitzfeld: Atlético wouldn't be top-four team without Simeone
as.com

Ex-Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has declared that Atlético Madrid wouldn't be a Champions League side were it not for boss Diego Simeone.

Bayern visit Atlético in the group stages of Europe's top club competition tonight (20:45 CEST), having lost out to Los Rojiblancos in last season's semi-finals.

Simeone the difference at Atlético

Hitzfeld, who led Bayern to Champions League glory in 2001, told Sport1: "Simeone is the leader and Atletico have done exceptionally under him."

Simeone, seen here in his press conference ahead of tonight's match, has led Atlético to two Champions League finals.
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Simeone, seen here in his press conference ahead of tonight's match, has led Atlético to two Champions League finals.Denis DoyleGetty Images

And he added: "Without Simeone, Atlético wouldn't be in the top four in LaLiga."

Bayern face "very tough" assignment

Looking ahead to the sides' clash in Madrid, the 67-year-old said: "Bayern have a very tough match against Atlético. They were beaten by them last year, so they have a score to settle."