MY ACCOUNT
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says the clash with rivals Real Madrid is “a new movie”, insisting that form is irrelevant heading into Sunday’s eagerly anticipated derby.
The two LaLiga giants boast contrasting fortunes as they prepare to lock horns in a blockbuster showdown at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.
Los Rojiblancos are aiming to bounce back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, while Carlo Ancelotti’s Los Blancos have won each of their eight matches across all competitions this season.
But Simeone, who confirmed goalkeeper Jan Oblak will be fit to start after recovering from a knock, insists that kick-off will represent a fresh start for both teams.
“I always think that in the big games and in the derbies, it’s important how you get there,” he told reporters at Saturday’s press conference. “I would have liked to come with a win and always looking from the positive side.
“But the moment the game starts, it’s a new story. Everything is very good until the referee starts; it’s a new movie that we don’t know the end of, that’s why this game is so fun.”
Simeone also praised the Spanish and European champions, noting their “habit” of winning.
“The rival has an extraordinary team with young players who are making the transition from those who performed at a high level in these years,” he added.
“It’s a great team that has a habit of always being close to winning. We have to take the game to where we are most interested.”
