Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone says his side’s Champions League opponents Real Madrid will be dangerous no matter which formation they line-up with.
The cross-city rivals face each other in Saturday’s final, the first ever in Europe’s premier club competition between two teams from the same city.
Los Blancos have trialled different systems over the course of the season but the Argentine tactician says it will be up to the Rojiblancos to negate their threat, regardless of where it may come from.
“They have played with three in midfield and three up front,” Simeone said to UEFA. “Now, in this recent period they have been playing with a 4-4-2, and it has given them very good results.
“Whatever system they use, with the calibre of players they have they are going to be dangerous. Madrid have a team full of great players.”
The Vicente Calderon boss then discussed his own team, saying this final is the culmination of three years of hard work at the club.
“This is the culmination of work that started around three years ago. In the Europa League we were able to respond very well, and from there we started to move forward with the same humility.
“By doing the same collective work, the whole team from the forwards to the goalkeeper knew the concept that the team needs in order to play to its strengths and hide its weaknesses.”
Finally, Simeone commented on the rivalry between his team and Los Blancos.
“It’s a historic rivalry. It’s something very special to see that from the same city and playing the same sport, there can be a team as powerful as Real Madrid and such a hard-working team like Atletico.
“They have completely different ideologies, possibly from a social point of view too. But each team has its ways of looking to bring success back to the club they play for.”
