Simeone: “We have respect for Real Madrid, but more for our people”

Diego Pablo Simeone faces a transcendental derby for Atlético to be in the next edition of the Champions League and he doesn’t want any kind of distractions. Despite the fact that the duel with Real Madrid is marked by the controversy unleashed in the previous days around the decision of the rojiblanco club not to make a corridor to the recently proclaimed league champion, the Argentine tried to play down the matter. “The club made a concrete statement, explanatory perfect. Congratulate Real Madrid, the players, the coaching staff, because they have done a great job. We have respect for Madrid, but more for our people,” Cholo justified.

What has happened so that this gesture that in the past was a sign of elegance and chivalry is now seen as a humiliation to the rival?, they asked him. “They are life forms. I don’t know if this is represented in other world championships. Each society is different and the Spanish one has in this corridor a sample of congratulations to the rival. As an example, where I come from I is not used. We live differently too, “said Simeone.

Beyond this controversial issue, the Atlético coach highlighted the difficulty of the match against the eternal adversary. «We find ourselves against a rival who is very strong. We still see him to this day the strength he has. It is always exciting to face a rival like Madrid, even more so after becoming champions”, said Cholo before highlighting the crucial nature of the match for his squad. “We are at a decisive moment of the season. There are four finals left of those fourteen that remained of the League of fourteen. We will face the derby with desire, illusion and enthusiasm. And try to avoid everything that is being talked about around us. The only thing that interests us is the result », he said.

He spoke of the qualities that Atlético will have to show in order to win. “Let him be strong, focused, competitive,” said the Argentine, who does not expect Real Madrid to get carried away after clinching the league title. «No, because the structure is not going to change, the way of playing. The coach is a great coach, with very clear ideas. Whoever plays will maintain the structure. The names vary but not the proposal », he asserted.

Finally, he ventured that there will be a battle until the last moment to be in the Champions League. “We know that it will be very hard until the end. Real, Villarreal, Sevilla, Betis are there. We will be there that search after an objective that is a priority in our planning », he closed.