Atlético Madrid host Porto this evening in their first game of this season’s Champions League, with kick-off scheduled at 21.00 local time.
In his pre-match press conference that appeared on Marca, Diego Simeone told journalists that playing in the Champions League is a unique experience:
“It’s not just another game, the Champions League is always different and an opportunity to do things well. It’s the first game and we have to be strong in a very complex competition, but it’s always an opportunity.”
While Atléti’s coach believes that Porto are a strong side, he believes that they can walk away with a good result:
“Porto is a team like their coach, with strength and intensity. The players place emphasis on team work, which makes them similar to the way we compete. We are doing well, despite losing to Villarreal. That game was balanced and I see that we are growing, as we are starting to show more aggression and intensity with speed in our game than last season. It depends on the players and let’s hope we can support them in getting the best out of them.”
Simeone doesn’t believe he needs to send a message to the fans:
“After ten years we don’t need to send a message. We need to work and show on the pitch what we want, that we want to win and play well because that’s what the fans want.”
GSFN
