MADRID – Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone addressed the media Friday ahead of Sunday’s La Liga derby against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. With his team effectively out of the title race – trailing Barcelona by 13 points – Simeone acknowledged a congested schedule and hinted at potential squad rotation for the high-profile fixture. The match presents a significant challenge, but one Simeone is preparing for strategically.
Simeone provided updates on several players, praising goalkeeper Jan Oblak’s form. “Juan is working highly well since he arrived,” Simeone said, as reported by multiple sources. “He is working very well not only on the field but also in the dressing room. We are very happy with him.” The manager also highlighted the positive impact of assistant coach, Alberto Morales, noting a “plus that is perceived” in his work with the players.
The upcoming match against Real Madrid is, as Simeone put it, “an vital game due to the rivalry in the city where both teams live.” He emphasized the excitement surrounding the derby among Atlético supporters. Yet, the manager also acknowledged the demanding schedule facing his squad, stating, “It occupies us, it doesn’t worry us. We will seek to manage it in the best way for the team and the club.”
Rotation is clearly on Simeone’s mind. When asked about potential changes to the starting lineup, he admitted, “I don’t know. We are thinking about where to put ourselves. Continuing to generate these rotations. They all want to play, they are making it challenging for me.” This suggests Simeone is prioritizing player fitness and managing fatigue amidst a busy run of fixtures.
The conversation also touched upon forward Julián Álvarez, who has experienced fluctuations in form. Simeone offered a supportive assessment, stating, “He is a person, and as a person, we all have better and worse moments. What we have seen in these games, we have seen in other occasions. That’s why when his level dropped, we demanded this level from him. Here’s not a straight path, there are curves… And you already know what I think when curves come.” This comment, translated from Spanish, reveals Simeone’s philosophy of navigating challenges and maintaining expectations even during dips in performance. It’s a sentiment that resonates with the team’s overall approach to adversity.
Simeone also discussed young player Obed Vargas, praising his work ethic and humility. “I see a very polite, very hardworking, very humble boy… wanting to improve,” he said. “He had a good game the other day, and hopefully he will continue to grow in training so that he can adapt to the differences with the MLS.” The manager’s comments highlight Atlético’s commitment to developing young talent and integrating players from different leagues.
When asked about the impact of injuries to key goalkeepers – Thibaut Courtois for Real Madrid and Jan Oblak for Atlético – Simeone offered a succinct response: “The people, they are two great goalkeepers.” This acknowledges the significance of both players to their respective teams, but also subtly downplays the disruption caused by their absences.
Looking ahead to the tactical battle, Simeone acknowledged Real Madrid’s strengths. “You see them much more than we do,” he said, referring to the media’s consistent coverage of their rivals. “We see them more these days to prepare for the match. They have the same pattern, the same players. But they have a lot of group work, as has been seen against City and Benfica.” This suggests Simeone is anticipating a well-organized and cohesive performance from Real Madrid, emphasizing the importance of collective effort.
The upcoming match at the Santiago Bernabéu is more than just a derby. it’s a test of Atlético Madrid’s resilience and tactical flexibility. Simeone’s willingness to consider rotation, coupled with his focus on player development and a pragmatic assessment of the opposition, suggests a calculated approach to a challenging fixture. While the title may be out of reach, a strong performance against Real Madrid would undoubtedly boost morale and provide a platform for a strong finish to the season.
Atlético Madrid will return to training Saturday to finalize preparations for the match. The game is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu. Following the Madrid derby, Atlético will face Sevilla at home on April 6th in another crucial La Liga encounter.
Related reading
