Diego Simeone says the Champions League game with Juventus on Wednesday is a final – but so are all Atleti’s games.
Los Rojiblancos take on the Italian champions having unexpectedly lost their opening Group A game to Olympiacos and Simeone appeared at a Press conference to discuss the big game.
“This match is a final, as it will be in Valencia [on Saturday] and the following game against Espanyol,” declared the Argentine.
“Juventus always have good teams and will be very competitive. They will cause us problems but will still make the odd error.
“Even so, they have good technique which means a high level will be demanded from us if we want to play the game we want.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for them and the work they do as a team. They’ve got some great champions in their side and that shows on the pitch.”
Influential midfielder and captain Gabi is a doubt for the game with an ankle injury and Simeone plans to make a decision on his availability on the day of the game.
“We’ll wait and see in training on Wednesday. If he’s able to make it he’ll play but if he’s not 100 per cent he won’t.
“We have alternatives in Mario, Saul and Koke, so if Gabe doesn’t play then one of them will,” he revealed.
