‘Simeone’s built a winning team’

Diego Ribas believes Diego Simeone has put together an Atletico Madrid side that is mentally strong enough to win La Liga.

The Brazil midfielder returned to Atletico on loan from Wolfsburg in the January transfer window and has spoken with Globoesporte in his native country.

AS reports that Diego has pointed to Atleti’s mentality as a crucial factor in why they are leading the table with five games to go.

“It makes a difference. The head must be very strong to fight the giants of European football,” he said.

“Everything else is earned by Atletico Madrid. A winning team has been built by Simeone, psychologically strong and ready to win, at all costs.”

Diego was also fulsome in his praise of Diego Costa, who, though born in Brazil and with a handful of caps for the World Cup hosts, is in line to feature for Spain at the World Cup.

“He is spectacular. He’s fought hard, played in different teams and he’s still fighting in the same way with Atletico,” Diego said.

“He has a lot of quality and a great finishing ability. That makes him one of the strongest strikers in the world today.

“He’s a great reference point for Atletico. The team makes the difference but he is in a special time and we’re lucky to have him here.”

Tags Diego Ribas Diego Simeone
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