Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has emphasized the necessity for his team to effectively manage their emotions in order to defeat Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. He stated that ultimately, the responsibility lies with the players. Simeone also offered updates on the fitness of three prominent players, with the recovery of Julian Alvarez being a significant concern at the Metropolitano.
Speaking on Monday evening before Atletico’s training session at the Emirates, Simeone explained that his influence diminishes once the match begins.
“No matter how much we analyze it, football is all about the players. We need to manage our emotions effectively so that the game unfolds at its best. The game changes as soon as it starts; experience and time bring more composure – not necessarily ease, but the peace of mind needed to face a match like tomorrow’s.”
“I’m going to try to get them to repeat the second half. If it’s that easy, it would be great,” he said with a smile, referencing an impressive second-half performance in Madrid.
‘We just want the game to start’ – Diego Simeone
Simeone appeared relaxed in the build-up to the game, showing little inclination to generate controversy.
“You’re looking for a headline or a phrase that stands out from the ordinary, but the coaches and players just want the game to start. Because it’s a football match, and whoever plays better will win. We’ll try to maximize our strengths, and the Arsenal manager will try to maximize theirs.”
This sentiment was reflected in his response when asked about the team’s change of hotel compared to their previous 4-0 defeat in the Champions League group stage.
“We’re better off now than we were in October. And the hotel was cheaper. That’s why we changed (laughs).”
Simeone on Sorloth, Giuliano and Julian Alvarez fitness
Atletico Madrid has three injury concerns for the match, with Julian Alvarez being the most doubtful, followed by Alexander Sorloth and Giuliano Simeone.
“They moved around a bit yesterday, they’re better. We hope they can train well and we’ll decide how to start tomorrow morning. Julian [Alvarez] knows the English league very well, last week’s game was very good and hopefully he can respond in the way the game demands.”
‘The result won’t depend solely on us’
Regarding the emotional demands of the game, Simeone expressed confidence in his strategy, without appearing overly self-assured.
“We will try to play the game that needs to be played, with the intensity and understanding that the match demands. We have a lot of faith in what we do, convinced and sure of what we want to achieve in this match, and the result won’t depend solely on us.”
Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium at 21:00 CEST on Tuesday night. The Gunners are considered slight favorites for the match, but Los Colchoneros are feeling optimistic about their chances against an Arsenal side they managed to put under pressure in the first leg.