‘Balotelli not Milan’s only threat’

Diego Simeone has warned Atletico Madrid about being overly concerned with Milan striker Mario Balotelli in their Champions League meeting.

Atletico have a 1-0 lead from the first leg at San Siro but the Coach told a Press conference that the Serie A side still represent a dangerous proposition.

“Milan is a very strong institution in the history of football,” El Cholo told reporters.

“They are used to this competition and have very talented players. They have the set up for a defining game.

“Balotelli is a dominant player but Milan has other danger areas around the team and the players that find him with the ball.

“He is dangerous but he needs his teammates around him.”

Simeone added that the away win isn’t a guarantee his side will progress.

“Whatever the score it will be a dangerous game tomorrow.

“A previous result that is that close invites the opponent to push forward to find the goal.

“We have to try and contain and control the game. Intensity in midfield will be key.

“If we can’t offer good protection it will be a much more open game and that suits our opponent.

“I think we controlled the midfield and tried to close all the spaces at Milan.

“They have players to make a very offensive team and we have to be careful of their very fast players.

“If we’re not able to take control we’ll suffer.2

Simeone also revealed that he is monitoring the availability of his players following Saturday’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo.

“We have to see that they recover from the tremendous effort in Vigo. In training today and tomorrow we’ll analyse the situation.

“Diego, Arda Turan and Diego Godin are the players we’re watching again.

“But goals from David Villa and Jose Sosa’s performance against Celta helped us grow as a team.”

Tags Balotelli Diego Simeone Milan
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