Luciano Spalletti has mused that he would prefer that Zenit St Petersburg play Atletico Madrid’s strongest XI this midweek.
Diego Simeone has taken a much weakened squad of players out to Russia for Tuesday’s fifth matchday of the Champions League group stage, with top spot in Group G already assured.
For his Italian counterpart, there is a downside for the hosts.
“I would prefer that Atletico Madrid bring all their players and not play their reserves,” mused Spalletti to reporters today.
“This is because I think it is bad for us as there is a danger that our players will think that the game is easier for us.
“There is no advantage for us in the rotations they have made to their squad. However, we have some losses too as we will be without four or five regulars, such as Danny.”
