Tiago Mendes has rejected the suggestion that Atletico Madrid’s aggressive style of play crosses the line of what’s acceptable.
The midfielder appeared on Al Primer Toque ahead of tomorrow’s Madrid derby and discussed a number of subjects, including his departure and return to the champions this summer and the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It was a difficult summer until I had to make the decision,” Marca reports Tiago as saying after he left Vicente Calderon when his contract expired, only to later sign a new deal.
“I had to do what my head and my heart said. I am very happy here, I’m 33-years-old and I’m enjoying it a lot.
“But you get excited when you can determine the future. I feel loved with Cholo Simeone.”
It was put to Tiago that Atletico are overly aggressive on the pitch, a statement he flat out dismissed.
“We’re a team that gives everything. We commit more fouls than our opponent but we’re not violent. They talk a lot,” he said.
“The strongest thing we have is our identity. It’s non-negotiable. Different players have arrived here but our style will not change.”
Atletico go to Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday but won’t have Diego Simeone on the touchline as the Coach is in the midst of a lengthy ban for his behaviour in the Supercopa de Espana, against Madrid.
German Burgos, Simeone’s assistant, will instead be in the dugout and Tiago feels Mono is a close replication of Cholo, but still believes not having the Coach will be a detriment.
“Mono is a shadow of Cholo but we definitely need Cholo on the bench,” he lamented.
