Simeone plays down Madrid absentees

Diego Simeone refuses to accept injuries and suspensions have given his Atletico Madrid team the advantage over Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Los Blancos will be without the injured Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale for the Champions League quarter-final second leg tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Marcelo also ruled out through suspension, but Simeone believes it will not have a negative impact on Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

“The characteristics of those that will come in won’t be the same, yet that alerts you to the enthusiasm those replacements will show,” the Argentine boss told a Press conference.

“There will be different players but desire is something else. However, not much changes for us as we still have to look for a way to hurt them and cause them problems.”

Simeone insists he was not surprised by the way in which Madrid took the game to Atletico from the start of the 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon last week.

“The intensity they showed in the first-half was among the best they’ve played all season. They moved the ball and were direct and quick, which is what you’d expect from the best team in the world, which is what our opponents are.

“For this match neither side is under any pressure. That comes in other areas of life. We have responsibilities but no more than anyone else,” argued Simeone, who went on to praise the defensive security his side has shown this season.

“We are competing well at the back with Miranda, [Diego] Godin and Juanfran, also Jesus Gamez, while there is the competition provided by Jose Gimenez. We have the central defenders from the Uruguay national team and one of Brazil’s.

“It’s a good problem to have and we are also able to change our midfield during the game if we wish. Beyond the chalkboard we’ll need to see how things develop and I’ll choose whatever suits us tactically.

“I’m thinking about how to cause them problems and not who the other side puts out. That’s what is important to us,” he explained.

Tags Atletico Madrid Champions League Simeone
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