Diego Simeone has said there is no added pressure for Atletico Madrid’s semi final Champions League bout with city rivals Real Madrid.
It will be the fourth consecutive season in which the pair have faced each other in the competition – with Los Blancos winning on each of the three previous occasions – which is the only trophy the Argentine Coach hasn’t won in his spell at the Vicente Calderon.
"Before every game there is the usual tension you have due to the responsibility we have at the club, with these fans," Simeone said.
"That keeps growing all the time, and I keep it with me whether we are playing Las Palmas, Real Madrid or Leganes.
"Actually, sometimes before games which might seem easier on paper, I am more nervous about getting the players to do what we want."
Simeone admitted he wasn’t sure exactly what players his opponents would field but was certain they would push for an early goal to whip up the Bernabeu crowd.
"I imagine a game with them starting strongly as they usually do at home," he continued.
"They might play Isco behind two forwards, or put [Marco] Asensio or James [Rodriguez] out wide. From there they will try and do us damage at the start, with intensity, the atmosphere, the pressure. We will try and be strong, and take the game to a place which is more comfortable for us.
"I expect it to be a tight game, but where we know how to take advantage of the spaces they allow us,"
"We know that the second game is at home for us, and an [away] goal is maybe more useful for them there as they always play the same everywhere. I imagine a complex game, and whoever best positions the pieces will play better."
