Simeone Admits Atletico Aren’t Favorites Against Tottenham, Emphasizing Tactics Over Pure Grit
9 March 2026
Match Preview and Simeone's Realism
In a pre-match briefing ahead of the Champions League Round of 16, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says his team is not guaranteed to overcome Tottenham and that he knows the Spurs style.
Atletico will host Tottenham at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, in the first leg of the European knockout.
Key Points and Quotes
He notes Tottenham will start in unknown ways. He knows their style and their coach. They have always been attacking, regardless of the lineup. We will see tomorrow; as always, you imagine the moments, but the players on the pitch can create them.
According to Mundo Deportivo, as with every match, when players step on the field, ranking or current status does not matter. The desire to win drives them, he says.
He adds that Atletico are the underdogs, Tottenham has not won in 11 Premier League games and are just one point above relegation.
On fatigue management, Simeone says training is smart, rest days are given, and time with family is crucial. He also praises the Premier League pace, noting it is faster than Italy, Spain, or France, though the exact reason is unclear.
“Matches aren’t decided by physical strength alone; technical quality is essential,” he states, explaining their aim to disrupt Spurs while respecting the opponent.
Regarding Conor Gallagher, Simeone calls him a humble, hardworking, dangerous midfielder capable of filling multiple roles, with fond memories of Gallagher's time at Atletico Madrid.
Punchline: If football were a sniper, Simeone would take the shot from afar and still score.
Punchline: Tottenham’s pace is so legendary that even the clock tries to keep up.
