Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone is expecting a demanding tactical battle against Bayern Munich, acknowledging that his team will have to adapt to whatever challenges Vincent Kompany’s side presents during tomorrow’s Champions League encounter.
Asked whether Atlético would prioritize maintaining its defensive structure and competing through difficult periods or attempt to take control of the match, Simeone admitted that his ideal scenario would look considerably different from what he might actually
get against Bayern Munich.
“Ideally, I’d like us to attack for 80 minutes and leave them the final 10 minutes to attack us for a while. I’d like us to press them high, to see the team combining and creating triangles, and to score a goal after 20 passes. But the reality is different, and tomorrow we’ll have to deal with whatever the game brings once it gets underway. We’ll be facing a powerful, strong team, and obviously we’ll have to go through some difficult periods, tough moments, when we’ll need to play our way out of their pressing, because they’re very good at pressing immediately after losing possession. So, well, it’s a bit of everything,” said Simeone (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Simeone was also asked about Harry Kane, Bayern’s new Ballon d‘Or winner, and how Atlético might attempt to contain such a versatile attacking threat. The Argentine had nothing but admiration for the English striker.
“First of all, congratulations to him, because he thoroughly deserves the Ballon d’Or he has won. I consider him an incredible player. I’ve always liked him. There’s no doubt about how much he has grown and matured throughout his career. Over the years, he’s found better positions and spaces to play in, while never moving away from what he does so well: scoring goals. You can see how committed he is to the team’s work. You can see how willing he is to drop deep and help the team play out from the back when needed. He’s a natural goalscorer. Honestly, I can only congratulate him on all his talent because he’s very good for football, and especially for young players who look up to players like him, who leave a legacy and show the next generation how you can reach the very top as well: through hard work,” said Simeone.
It is quite the compliment coming from one of Europe’s most demanding managers. Simeone clearly recognizes that Kane is much more than a penalty-box striker. His ability to drop deep, link play, create opportunities, and still deliver goals makes him an extraordinarily difficult player to defend.
Of course, Atlético will have a plan for him. Whether that plan survives 90 minutes against the Ballon d’Or winner is another question entirely.
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