Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone has said his side are third favourites behind Real Madrid and Barcelona in the title race.
The champions travel to Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu today and rather than point to his side’s title victory last year as a reason Atletico should be favourites for the League, Simeone argued that the tight race points to how strong their rivals are.
“In 38 games it’s difficult to keep up with Madrid and Barca,” AS reports Cholo telling a pre-match Press conference.
“We had a stratospheric season yet Barca had a chance to win the League until the last day. And Madrid, starting badly, could also have won.
“Now, with one game, the possibilities are open.”
Simeone, who is banned from the touchline for the match, gave little away regarding the XI he will name for the derby.
“[Antoine] Griezmann? We have him, Arda Turan or Raul Jimenez. We’ll see,” he replied when asked about the France international’s involvement.
“[Alessio Cerci] has worked with us for 10 days and has put in a lot of effort. We need his speed and rebellion.”
Simeone did though reflect on his first encounter with Koke, predicting there is more to come from the spain international.
“I saw Koke in Betis-Atletico. He came out for the second half,” the Coach recalled.
“The commentator didn’t name him. I asked about him and I was told he wanted to go to Malaga.
“We talked to him and told him he was going to be important and time has proven him right to work hard.
“I don’t think he has reached his ceiling. He has more to give and wants to improve.”
The session with reporters asking Simeone who has replaced Angel Di Maria as his favourite Madrid player, following the Argentine’s move to Manchester United.
“Now the one I like is…Iker Casillas,” the Coach revealed.
