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Ralf Rangnick has heaped praise upon his opposite number Diego Simeone ahead of Manchester Untied’s Champions League first-leg clash with Atletico Madrid.
Rangnick, who is taking charge of just the third Champions League knockout tie of his career after reaching the semi-finals with Schalke in 2010-11, was rewarded for guiding the Red Devils to top of Group F with a trip to the Wanda Metropolitano.
Despite winning LaLiga last season, Atletico have endured a difficult campaign domestically, and are currently fighting with a rejuvenated Barcelona for a place in Spain’s top four.
Atletico have also lost each of their last four Champions League meetings with English opposition, but Rangnick was keen to emphasise Simeone’s achievements in Madrid, stressing that United will have to match their hosts both mentally and physically if they are to stand a chance of progressing.
“He has won trophies with a clear identity, with a recognisable style”, Rangnick said of Simeone. “I don’t think this has changed in the last few years.
“They are always an emotional side, and this reflects the character of the manager. Simeone is probably one of the best emotional managers in Europe.
“The style and the way his teams have always performed reflects those emotions that he brings to the team. We need to match those levels of energy and emotion in both games.
“It will be physical, it will be emotional, and we will have to be mentally strong. I will try to prepare our team for that challenge.”
Rangnick has only lost one of his 15 games since taking the reins at United, but a recent FA Cup exit plus draws against Burnley and Southampton brought renewed criticism of the Red Devils’ performances.
However, attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes has defended their displays, as he aims to fire United to their 500th goal in the history of the European Cup and Champions League.
“I think the team has been playing well even, in the games we didn’t win”, Fernandes, who scored in Sunday’s dramatic 4-2 win at Leeds United, said.
“Obviously when you don’t get the result, it’s not perfect. Winning games [makes] you feel more confident.
“Going into this game, which is an important one, we know that having the confidence of winning games gives you something more. If we stick from the plan from the first to the last minute, we can win the game.”
Fernandes has the most goal involvements (15) of any Manchester United player in the Premier League this season, and has recorded the most assists (five) of any player in the Champions League this term, but is yet to find the net in Europe himself this campaign.
