Madrid moves towards another derby with its usual force, the capital carrying the noise of a remarkable sporting and cultural week into Atlético Madrid’s meeting with Real Madrid. Diego Simeone described a city alive with events, having taken in Formula 1 and a Shakira concert before the latest instalment of the rivalry arrives.
For Atlético’s coach, the fixture has a meaning that goes beyond the changing form of either side. He said the rivalry had been restored over recent years and, while derby motivation differs from the feeling of playing as a footballer, insisted there was no point denying its significance.
Simeone urged calm as the essential quality for his side. Confidence in the work, he said, is the route to follow regardless of whether the result ultimately falls in Atlético’s favour or not. He also dismissed the idea that either team’s previous match should shape expectations for the derby, arguing that recent results do not necessarily carry into this particular contest.
Real Madrid’s threat, in Simeone’s view, is especially sharp after turnovers. He warned that their transition game is stronger than Atlético’s, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior the immediate targets whenever possession is lost. Atlético, therefore, must reduce the situations in which those counter-attacking routes can open.
Julián Álvarez will be available to Simeone, although the Atlético manager will make a later decision on whether the Argentine starts or enters during the game.
There was also a clear message about Ademola Lookman, whom Simeone considers a rare profile within his squad. The forward is Atlético’s most dangerous one-against-one player, the coach said, and remains needed whether he can manage an hour, 70 minutes or another amount of playing time. Simeone accepted that Lookman’s start to the campaign has not matched the player’s own expectations.
Álex Grimaldo, meanwhile, is being allowed time to settle. Simeone pointed to the player’s response against Real Sociedad, when he took responsibility for a penalty before later providing an assist. Atlético must support him defensively, the coach added, while helping him bring his considerable attacking quality to a higher level.
Simeone also spoke warmly of José Mourinho, saying he has great admiration for the Portuguese coach and that Mourinho knows the regard in which he is held.
