Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid cannot use fatigue as an excuse for this weekend’s Madrid derby against Real.
Los Rojiblancos put in an energetic performance in Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Sporting CP, and have just three days to recover.
“We were very tired towards the end of the match, it is true,” Simeone told reporters after the match.
“They put in their maximum effort and energy into the match – Costa, Griezmann, Gabi, Saul – as they all ran a lot, while also you have Juanfran and Savic who have just returned to the team.
“I believe it is logical that after a game of this nature that the players become tired and fatigued because of their great effort but we cannot use that as an excuse for Sunday.
“We need to prepare ourselves totally for that match and we will be fine as always, it is up to us to put ourselves in the best position.”
