Diego Simeone has warned of the threat Getafe pose his Atletico Madrid side when the two meet at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.
The match is Atletico’s first following the international break and the Argentine, speaking at a Press conference, insisted he is taking nothing for granted against their cross-city rivals.
“Getafe are a tough team to play against. They’ve managed to come through a difficult start and suddenly, in seven weeks, they’ve become candidates for a European spot.
“They are now much more combative, more organised, and show a lot of intensity in attack.
“In some ways they are a similar team to us. It will be a dangerous game,” he cautioned.
Getafe Coach Luis Garcia has praised Simeone’s side, saying they have been like a breath of fresh air in Spanish football, an alternative to playing Barcelona’s way or like the Spain national team, and they are words the Argentine is grateful for.
“It’s true there is another way to play football. I’m constantly searching to make sure that my players feel comfortable playing this way,” said Simeone, who brushed aside suggestions some would be tired from their international exertions this week.
“I don’t know what the players’ fitness levels are but we’ve coped with it well so far. We’ve only lost one game, against Espanyol, and we’ll decide who plays later this evening.”
