Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago has admitted that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is 'the best in the world'.
The two teams meet this Saturday at Santiago Bernabeu, and the Portuguese ball-winner has conceded that his countryman, and former boss at Chelsea, is currently the world's best Coach.
“For me, Mourinho is the best in the world,” he told EFE. “All the years and all the trophies prove that he is No. 1.”
He also commented on some of Los Blanco's danger men ahead of the match this weekend.
“I remember the game we played against them last year, and Cristiano Ronaldo virtually won that game on his own.
“He is a player who, at any time, can decide a match. Hopefully he won't do that against us, because if Cristiano is on form, they'll be tough to beat.
“Xabi Alonso as well is also very important. He is the man who runs the game and has great quality.
“Real Madrid are a team full of stars, so it's always going to be tough. They are the champions and have an astronomical budget – the difference between us and them is huge.
“But it's a football match and we will try to do our best.
“Their loss to Real Betis [last weekend] counts for nothing here. Now it is our turn to play them, and we will go with all our desire and all our might.”
The 31-year-old then remarked on the boss Diego Simeone and his influence on the Rojiblancos.
“The Coach means everything to this team,” he said. “He has made us feel important, made us feel like we can win.
“The whole squad is important throughout the season, and Simeone makes everyone realise that.”
Having played in Spain, Italy and England, the Portugal international confirmed that the Madrid derby has a special feeling.
“It definitely has something different. We are on a negative streak [against Real Madrid] at the moment, but hopefully we can change that this weekend.”
