Simeone: "The team has to compete like a fan would"
The Atlético coach confirmed that he already knows who will play at right back, ahead of the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabéu.
Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone spoke to the media in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu, in the lead up to the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
Cholo: 'What Zidane has done is spectacular'
Fear before matches: "I have this sensation before every match… be it against Las Palmas, Madrid, or Leganés. It doesn't change."
Zidane: "What Zidane has done is spectacular. To have picked up the team in January with the difficulties Madrid have had, above all with the squad… he’s managed to balance the emotions in the dressing room and compete at a high level."
The referee: "We know that refereeing isn’t easy, and additional difficulties come when there is tension. I hope that he goes unnoticed."
Real Madrid's options: "They will be strong, and will be able to choose between Isco, Asensio, or James on the flanks. They’ll be evaluating that, and how they can cause us damage. We have to be strong too."
Right back: 'I'm already clear on who is going to play'
Right back: "I’m already clear on who is going to play. The fact that there are absentees is important because nobody else plays in that position, but I also understand that football is a team game. You can be without a player, but the team will still hold firm."
Assessment of Saúl alongside Gabi: "He has always been a central midfielder, and where he’s playing at the moment is where he feels most comfortable. We have played him on the flanks when necessary, but his position is in the centre. He shoots well from long range, covers the ground well, is good in the air, plays with intensity… He has become a vital player and will continue to improve because he’s young and has everything ahead of him.
How the match will go: "I’m not going to predict the result of the match. I hope that it’ll be a tight match, and that we take advantage of the spaces they leave for us."
The fans: "I’ll put a team together that competes on the pitch like an Atlético fan would."
Read what Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane had to say in his press conference.
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|
| Upcoming matches |
|---|
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|
| Upcoming matches |
|---|