Diego Simeone has spoken of the value in travelling out to South America for preseason and the challenge it represents to his Atletico Madrid side.
Los Rojiblancos are currently midway through a three-date tour of the continent and are currently preparing for tomorrow’s meeting with Chilean outfit Sporting Cristal.
The team have already lost to Simeone’s former side Estudiantes in Argentina, whilst at the weekend they will come up against Nacional of Uruguay.
For Atleti’s Coach, there are positives to take from the tour.
“We are in preseason, trying to get closer to our best level. We are currently in a period of good preparation,” Simeone began to reporters today.
“I am always happy, despite having lost to Estudiantes. Always when facing South American teams it is good because we know that when we come here you guys are waiting with great enthusiasm.
“The fans will be looking forward to it and it is a competitive meeting that brings us closer to slowly finding our best level.
“I hope that against Sporting Cristal there are as many people in the stands as possible. The other day it was a full stadium at La Plarta.
“I hope to see a good game between two teams that try to play well and win.”
