Laudrup: Atletico can win CL

Michael Laudrup believes that not only can Atletico Madrid win La Liga, but they can claim the Champions League too.

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid forward spoke to AS while in Malaysia at a promotional event for Ferrari’s Formula 1 team that also featured driver Fernando Alonso.

Laudrup, who was Alonso’s childhood hero, AS notes, feels the competition between Barca, Madrid and Atleti will go to the wire.

“The truth is, after Madrid lost El Clasico and to Sevilla it is more difficult for them, when it seemed they were going to be seven points clear,” the former Swansea manager said.

“Now they’re behind. And Barcelona has many options to win the League. And then there’s Atletico.

“They’re a great team and they have a great chance to win the League. They’re a very organized team who with outstanding players and a great Coach.

“Diego Simeone is doing a great job with a team that has great players, people who are hungry and eager to prove they can win the title. He’s doing an exemplary job.”

Laudrup was asked by AS which of his former sides, Barca or Madrid, he would prefer to work at.

“That’s the big question I ask myself sometimes,” the Dane replied.

“I don’t know. But it would certainly be a dream to coach one of the two. Two greats.”

Asked which of the sides remaining in the Champions League are the favourites to win the trophy, Laudrup offered a diplomatic response.

“All the teams in there have enough to win the competition, all of them,” he added.

“Madrid have a great squad and are eager to win the title they crave. Bayern Munich are also there and Barcelona, but I think the other teams have chances too.

“Chelsea are one of them, but mostly Atletico. I really think they can win it.

“They’re a tough team, very difficult to play against and they can win the Champions League. This may be the year.”

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