Atlético Madrid will welcome Inter Milan to the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Coach Diego Simeone met with the press on Tuesday to talk about the occasion,
as his former club returns to the place where they suffered a painful penalty shoot-out defeat to the Colchoneros a year-and-a-half ago.
Asked about how that game could influence the occasion, Simeone explained “there are players who will play who were involved in that game, but the two games are not the same.
“There is a different pattern, a new coach who has not changed much, but situations in the collective game have changed,” Simeone continued. “I really like Inter’s squad, it’s wonderful, it has depth as we saw against Milan, and we will have to be aware of what they offer and enhance what we are going to offer tomorrow.”
Diego Simeone on what he expects from Inter
“Inter are a team that play very well, with personality. They have a clear attacking pattern and an incredible squad. I watched their game against Milan after our game, and they were on the front foot the whole time. They had chances but couldn’t convert them, they could have won. Milan took their chance and defended well, but Inter could have won the game. In the Champions League, the numbers speak for themselves. They play well, they know what they want, and we have to take the game to where we think we can hurt them.”
Diego Simeone on using this game to measure his team’s level
“All games are important, regardless of the opponent. We have to keep growing, and that’s what we’re doing, trying to improve game by game. There are several areas for improvement, and that’s what we’re working on.”
Diego Simeone on a big night at the Metropolitano
“We need our fans as always. They are key to the journey we have been on at home. They are a major force in terms of the team’s performance, and we hope they will be strong and close by, and we will give our all as always.”
Diego Simeone on whether Oblak and Giuliano will be available
“I’ve just arrived, I haven’t spoken to the doctor. We’ll see in the squad list whether they’re available or not.”
Diego Simeone on Gil Marín and Cerezo talking about raising the bar
“I’ve always been someone who, when my superiors ask me to do things, tries to achieve those goals, and I won’t change. We’ll try to achieve what they ask of us.”
Diego Simeone on managing Koke’s minutes
“When the season starts, no one knows how many minutes he’s going to play. That depends on his performance game after game. He’s a very important player in the squad, we’re managing his workload very well and hopefully he’ll maintain his level, at which he’s helping us a lot. He needs to continue on this path that has seen him play 700 games.”
Diego Simeone on whether he could imagine himself managing Inter
“It won’t be up to me, but on the road ahead, I can imagine a spell at Inter, yes.”
Diego Simeone on whether derby defeat to Milan could impact Inter
“For a team like Inter, losing the derby is difficult, but I’m sure they’re fully focused on the Champions League, where they’ve lost two finals in quick succession. They’re a very strong team, contenders to win the league in Italy and to compete in the Champions League as they have been doing.”
