Diego Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid: “We would like to play all three, but…”

Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone has explained that although he would like to have Antoine Griezmann alongside big signings Alexander Sorloth and Julián Álvarez, he believes it could weaken them defensively. Los Colchoneros travel to Barcelona to take on the Catalan giants on Saturday at 21:00 CEST in a top-of-the-table clash.

One of the main topics of conversation is the absence of Lamine Yamal.

“It is clear that he is extraordinary, in duels he is one of the best in the offensive sense. “They don’t have anyone with those characteristics, but they have Ferran, Olmo, Pedri to look for other alternatives.”

Ferran Torres: “It’s true that as a forward I feel very comfortable. I see myself more and more as a forward.” @tjuanmarti

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 20, 2024

Simeone believes that Hansi Flick will not change his approach at Atlético de Madrid and his high pressure will define him.

“They look for pressure, as they have done until now and it has worked very well for them, they have always dominated the game and have been better than their rival even when they have lost. “I don’t think their coach will change because being the protagonist has always worked for them.”

Simeone has reportedly been trialling a 5-4-1 in training this week, but Diario AS claim he will stick with a 4-4-2 with Samuel Lino on the wing, Marcos Llorente at right-back and a midfield with Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo de Pablo.

Cholo was asked what Lino and Conor Gallagher could give them on the left wing of midfield, one of the big decisions he will have to make.

“Conor gives us a little more work and arrivals from the second line, and recovery. Lino is more lateral, wider, more offensive, more dueling and more associative. In terms of goals they are equal, although one seems more offensive than the other.”

🚨🇦🇷 Journalist: “You once said ‘we are going to be champions’ in Atleti’s title season (20/21). Can you repeat it now?”

Diego Simeone: “When I said that, there were only a few games left. Now there is still a long way to go.” pic.twitter.com/vpmw3HMjKy

— Universo Atlético (@architetturauniverse) December 20, 2024

Simeone noted that the best thing he can do with Julián Álvarez is to surround him with the right people, rather than trying to change his game, but that the world champion’s confidence was allowing him to generate more opportunities.

“Of course, we would like to play with all three, Julian, Griezmann and Sorloth, but then the blanket starts to weaken a little,” he said, referring to the theory that you can only protect part of yourself, like a blanket. It will leave a part of you exposed.

“We have the same points as last year, the ones with the least are Madrid and Barcelona.”

About Lamine: “It is clear that he is extraordinary. They don’t have anyone with those characteristics, but they have Ferran, Olmo, Pedri to look for other alternatives.”

🗣️Diego Simeone pic.twitter.com/yhm2FEYHND

— Soccer Spain (@footballespana_) December 20, 2024

Simeone is trying to break a streak of never having beaten Barcelona in the Catalan capital in La Liga. For Atlético, however, it is a streak that dates back to 2006. However, Barcelona is on a streak of just one win in six games, and Atlético has 11 consecutive wins coming into the clash.