Tuesday 20 January 2015

We know how to make it hard for Barcelona & Real Madrid says; Simeone

Atletico know how to make it hard for Barcelona & Real Madrid - Simeone
The Argentine has emphasised how tough it is to play against the Clasico clubs but believes he has come up with a good gameplan
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side have found the right formula to stifle Barcelona and Real Madrid's games.

The Vicente Calderon side broke the decade-long duopoly the Clasico clubs had on the Liga title last term, grinding out a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou on the last day of the season to seal the triumph.

Simeone, who masterminded a 4-2 aggregate Copa del Rey victory over his side's arch rivals last week, feels he has a good tactical plan for each of Barca and Madrid - despite having seen his side beaten 3-1 at Camp Nou earlier this month.

"Barcelona work in smaller spaces and Real Madrid work in more space and on the counter," he told Radio America 1190.

"When you play Real Madrid and you see things from the sidelines, the games are never ending. It is very difficult to compete with Barcelona and Madrid but we have found the necessary intensity to make things complicated for them."

Simeone has transformed Atleti's fortunes since taking over three years ago, leading them to one Copa del Rey, one Europa League and a Champions League final in addition to their Liga triumph, and he has no plans to move on from the club just yet.

"You can't understand how we were so far away from where we are now. When you know how you want to play, you don't confuse things. The challenge for us this year is even bigger.

"If things keep growing as they are growing I will not move from Atleti. I see that Atleti want to continue growing and that also allows me to get better."

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