Diego Simeone claims Atletico Madrid “have rediscovered themselves” ahead of Saturday’s early trip to Sporting Gijon in La Liga.
Nicolas Gaitan failed to train on Friday, casting doubt over the midfielder’s presence in the matchday squad. His place may be taken by teenager Caio, who has been promoted from Atleti’s B team.
Marca also reports Atleti spent part of Friday’s session practicing penalties, although Simeone refused to disclose who would take them going forward.
“Sporting arrive on the back of winning a big game [against Leganes] and that gives them enthusiasm,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“That enthusiasm can be a superior force to talent from time to time.
“Penalty taker? Certainly it’ll be someone who has already taken them.
“Tiago and Oblak? They’re doing fine and getting better. Hopefully time will give us the possibility of having them back.
“Nothing has changed, we’ve only rediscovered ourselves in terms of what makes us feel at our best on the pitch.
“We’ve always looked to play with high pressure and intensity, win second balls and meet the needs of our games.
“That consistency in our game allows us to have more continuity and get closer to winning matches.”
Sporting, meanwhile, are without defender Jean-Sylvain Babin (injury), midfielder Carlos Carmona (yellow-card suspension) and goalkeeper Diego Marino (red-card suspension), however Barcelona loanee Douglas is back after recovering from a knee injury.
Sporting Gijon squad: Cuellar, Whalley, Douglas, Mere, Amorebieta, Sergio Alvarez, Víctor Rodriguez, Traore, Carlos Castro, Cases, Elderson, Burgui, Canella, Lillo, Isma, Xavi Torres, Vesga, Moi Gomez, Cop
Atletico Madrid squad: Moya, Moreira; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Savic, Lucas, Filipe, Koke, Saul, Gabi, Thomas, Carrasco, Correa, Gaitan, Caio; Fernando Torres, Gameiro, Griezmann
Referee: Gonzalez Gonzalez
Kick-off time: 12:00 GMT/13:00 CET
