Diego Simeone has labelled Atletico Madrid’s clash with Juventus” data-scaytid=”6″>Juventus as a ‘final’, whilst he outlines his respect for the Bianconeri.
Diego Simeone has labelled Atletico Madrid’s clash with Juventus as a ‘final’, whilst he outlines his respect for the Bianconeri.
Last year’s Champions League runners-up host the Turin outfit at the Vicente Calderon looking to bounce back from an opening competition defeat to Olympiacos and with their Coach very much bigging up the occasion.
“This is a final with Juventus, as are all the games and as the next one will be,” Simeone commented to reporters today.
“We are a competitive team and I will have many options for tomorrow. The games are all different and depending on the game I will see who will play.
“Juventus are a team who have always worked very well, they are a solid team that it is hard to take points from.
“Tomorrow we will need to play a game at the highest level in order to bring home the three points. We will see, however, in training tomorrow, to dissolve any doubts [about team selection].
“We face Juve with the utmost respect that they deserve as an established team. I like the work done over the years by Juve, we note the great work done behind their victories.
“Again, I have much respect and admiration for them.
“I don’t think that Juve will play on the counter-attack, they will enjoy a lot of space and recover the ball well.
“Llorente and Tevez push right to the touchline but they need to feel close to the midfielders. Juve will be expressive.”
Refusing to commit one way or another on Alessio Cerci’s presence in the squad, Simeone was asked about compatriot Carlos Tevez.
“We know that he is an extraordinary player, he moves a lot between the lines, and he is very difficult to control. The secret will be to not allow him time to think, and not allow him to receive the ball.”
El Cholo returned at the weekend from a lengthy touchline ban.
“It’s important, but the key on Sunday [against Sevilla] was the performance. We managed to defend and attack well, maintaining the pressure high up. It is all in the head, my public presence, but the essential thing is the daily work.”