Simeone in Rummenigge dig

Diego Simeone has hit back at Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the Bayern Munich CEO questioned Atletico Madrid’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Simeone was speaking at a Press conference for Saturday’s visit of Real Betis in La Liga, but he ended his piece by responding to Rummenigge, who was quoted as saying by the Spanish Press that Atleti did not deserve to reach the last eight as they were not on the level of Juventus – whom Bayern eliminated.

“One last thing, Rummenigge shouldn’t worry as we’ve sent him the aerial photos of our match against Benfica [Bayern’s QF opponents],” the Coach remarked.

Cholo, meanwhile, confirmed a depleted defence at his disposal for the match against Betis, with Stefan Savic and Diego Godin still not ready.

“[Savic] is being treated by our doctors, but he isn’t quite right … The doctors have said that he’s a little better, but he won’t be called up,” he continued.

“Godin hasn’t been discharged, but he’s working to return in the best way possible.

“The expectation is that he’ll be back in top condition on Tuesday. In the meantime, we’ll go with Saul [Niguez], Nacho [Monsalve] and Thomas [Partey]. Nacho knows this position and is still young, while Saul is an all-terrain player.

“Prior to losing to Malaga in the last minute, Betis went seven games without defeat.

“I see a team of versatile players, such as [Dani] Ceballos, [Charly] Musonda, who has become important and [Martin] Montoya, who has given them depth.

“They’re also a team who, with [German] Pezzella, have good continuity in central defence and have qualities with the intent of doing harm, like all the teams in the League.

“[On the Clasico], we want to win at Betis and then see how the other teams do, it’s not up to us. We want to do things right.”

Tags Bayern Munich Benfica Diego Simeone Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
La Liga - Club News