Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says he has ‘absolute confidence’ in his players ahead of their Champions League match with Inter. The Nerazzurri hold a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, ahead of their visit to the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday evening, and speaking ahead of the game, Simeone shared his thoughts on the match:
Inter’s strength is being widely discussed, and it’s said that Atletico is the underdog. Do you agree with this perspective?
“We always need to assess things day by day. Opinions are shaped by what we’ve shown, and we can’t deny that. Tomorrow, we’ll be facing one of the best teams in Europe.”
Do you perhaps need to raise your voice a bit?
“I have absolute confidence in my players, and I know they’ll play a great game tomorrow.”
After the last defeat, you took full responsibility. How are you feeling?
“I’m clear about everything that’s happening. We’ve had a good season so far, but now is the time to return to our level because football doesn’t forgive mistakes. When you make a mistake, you lose, and we need to grow by learning from our errors.”
What makes you think tomorrow will be better?
“I don’t need to say much. I have total confidence in my players and my team. They’ll play a good game.”
From Saturday until now, what has given you strength for tomorrow’s match?
“I didn’t spend Saturday night well, but Sunday was already better, and I know what I have available.”
What will be most important tomorrow?
“Concentration. The game requires a very high level of focus, and whoever manages to stay least distracted will take the win.”
What alternatives do you have in midfield?
“I can’t reveal how we’ll play now, but we’ll field a competitive eleven.”
What do you think of Lautaro?
“Lautaro is internationally renowned, one of the best in Europe, and he’s proven himself at Inter and with Argentina.”
What do you want to ask your fans for tomorrow’s game?
“I can’t say anything now. I’m staying silent and accepting whatever they want to give us.”
How is Griezmann?
“Having him with us gives us more solutions. We hope he’s well and can play his game, the one he has in mind.”
Having only lost 1-0 in the first leg, is that a positive aspect?
“When you look at past matches, it doesn’t matter. What counts is what will happen tomorrow. The difference isn’t significant, but certainly important. However, we have a good team.”
