Simeone: Chelsea better, but…

Diego Simeone admits that Chelsea go into the UEFA Super Cup Final on Friday as favourites, but hints that Atletico Madrid are planning an upset.

El Cholo’s side, as Europa League winners last term, are in Monaco preparing for the showpiece event with last season’s Champions League winners which will take place on Friday.

Speaking to the Press today, Simeone was quick to suggest that where their London opponents are favourites, nothing is decided just yet.

“We have worked well in pre-season, beyond the injuries to Filipe Luis and Juanfran Torres, and we have a competitive team,” he began today.

“In the previous match to this final [against Athletic Bilbao in the League], we did well and that creates an enthusiasm for the game against Chelsea.

“The final is not decided, it has to be played and has to be won. But, you cannot stray from reality, Chelsea are favourites. They have a strong budget, they are the champions of Europe and at the start they are better.

“But, with humility and looking realistically, sometimes in a game it doesn’t matter who is the best, but who played the better game.”

The Coach was asked about the club’s reunion with former star striker Fernando Torres, who was also briefly a teammate of Simeone’s during the Argentine’s stint as a player at the Calderon.

“I’m not going to try to explain the feelings that Fernando may have. It is an important game for him, but I want to talk about the guys from Atletico.

“Falcao is an extraordinary player. I have known him since he was a boy, I have seen him grow and if he continues with the same willingness to improve, there is no limit for him.

“Hopefully at Atletico we can enjoy him for a long time.

“Meanwhile, Arda Turn is tactically important for the team. He provides many options, he can play inside, outside and even behind the striker.

“He never loses the ball either. We need him at his best. Him being on form spreads to the rest of the footballers and the team needs that.”

Simeone denied feeling under pressure to win the game.

“There is no pressure. There is pressure in life when you have difficulties, not when you reach a final.

“This is a responsibility and commitment. And this is precisely what I am trying to convey as Coach.”

Tags Chelsea Simeone UEFA Super Cup
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