Simeone prepares for first meeting with Mourinho in 10 years
Diego Simeone shared his respect for Jose Mourinho ahead of the Madrid derby and discussed Atletico's tactical approach.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: LauraHale
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone is preparing for a pivotal Madrid derby against Real Madrid, currently managed by Jose Mourinho. This match marks the first encounter between the two managers since 2014. Despite their long history, the Argentine coach prefers to focus on the present challenge.
I am not someone who dwells on things from years ago. I have great respect for Mourinho; I have been an admirer of his for a long time and have followed his work closely. He knows about my respect. Diego Simeone
Evaluating the current Real Madrid squad, Simeone emphasized the danger posed by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. The manager warned his players that their opponents are superior in transition play, making it crucial for Atletico to avoid unnecessary turnovers.
Regarding the squad, Simeone confirmed that Julian Alvarez is included in the matchday squad, though a decision on whether he starts will be made closer to kickoff. The coach also urged his new signings to remain calm and maintain their composure during the high-pressure atmosphere of the derby.