Simeone, Atlético ‘confident’ in approach for Barça quarterfinal
· Yahoo Sports
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona, Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone refused to acknowledge any kind of home advantage at the Metropolitano as he previewed the game just like any other.
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“The match, whatever we imagine, is only in our heads for now until the game starts, and obviously, everything we’ve said is left behind,” Simeone told reporters on Monday. “Because if we think we’re going to apply pressure just because we’re playing at home and they play better, it doesn’t happen. The other day (Wednesday), in the first 20 minutes, we had good ball movement. They couldn’t take the ball away from us, and we spent more time in their half, playing better than anyone imagined at the start of the match.
“So, we must keep faith, hoping the team can keep responding the way it is, and have confidence in what we want,” he concluded.
Diego Simeone on if Jan Oblak will play
“I haven’t announced the lineup yet. I usually give it to them at 7 p.m., when we’re at the hotel. I always have time until then to decide who starts.”
Simeone on whether Atlético will attack Barça or defend their lead
“We’re confident about what we need, and we’re confident about what we’re going to go for. Our goal is to progress, and we’ll play the match to make that happen.”
Simeone on how to approach these games
“We approach them the way we’ve been competing against them. We know the opponent we’re facing. We’re aware of the strong opponent we’ll be up against, but we’re also clear on our objective, which is to advance.”
Simeone on his message to Le Normand and Lenglet
“With Robin and Clément? Did I talk to them or not? No, there’s no need to talk. I think they’re very clear on what we need. Robin has been improving game after game, as I mentioned, I think, in the previous press conference. And Clément is a very experienced player. He knows his strengths, he knows his weaknesses, and obviously, we’ll look to enhance both of them for the good of the team.”
Simeone on referees
“No, I’m thinking about the team, honestly. I’m not thinking about the referees right now. They have a huge job ahead of them, a very difficult one. Every match, the closer we get to the final, has much greater repercussions. And they’re already under extreme pressure. I’m not thinking about that, honestly.”
Simeone on his message to the squad before kick-off
“Tomorrow, I’m sure something will come to mind as we near the end of the warm-up.”
Simeone on his strong home record in knock-out European games having an influence
“No, it’s just part of football.”
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Diego Simeone has NEVER lost a UCL KO match at home. pic.twitter.com/VHE6ClUC7i
Simeone on managing the game emotionally
“Just like every other match we’ve played at home since I’ve been at the club.”