Diego Simeone believes his Atletico Madrid squad will enter their inaugural Club World Cup campaign brimming with passion as they prepare to take on PSG in Los Angeles this Sunday.
Atletico arrives at the tournament following a season that promised much but ultimately fell short, with Simeone’s charges failing to secure any trophies before their journey to the United States.
On the eve of the competition, the manager is ready to face off against the ‘top teams in the world’.
“From this point, we’ll be competing with teams that include the Copa Libertadores champion, the Champions League winner, and another team that boasts significant titles: we represent four powerful sides.”
“The challenge will be formidable, just like every stage of the Club World Cup, which features only the best teams globally. We will see how it unfolds.”
Despite some pundits dismissing the tournament even before it kicks off regarding its seriousness, Simeone sees it as a critical opportunity.
He remarked: “(It has) the same significance as every coach assigns to it, as well as for the players who will be participating in their first match of this tournament today.”
Atletico’s opening match represents a potentially challenging encounter against the reigning Champions League titleholders, PSG.
‘El Cholo’ is eager for his players to discover ways to strike at their European adversaries.
Simeone elaborated: “We’re up against the rightful Champions League champions. They have assembled an outstanding squad, featuring many extraordinary young talents and a coach (Luis Enrique) who radiates confidence and conviction in his strategies.”
“He has consistently demonstrated this wherever he has managed. We possess our own strengths, and we’ll aim, as always, to shape the game in our favour and take it to a terrain where we can inflict damage.”
_______________________________________________
Sponsored by:
FIFA Club World Cup – All matches are available to stream for free, exclusively on DAZN.
Subscribe here to begin streaming.
_______________________________________________
With Barcelona absent from the tournament, Atletico carries Spain’s representation alongside city rivals Real Madrid, a fact that Simeone believes reflects the progress made by his team lately.
“The World Cup highlights the remarkable growth of Atletico de Madrid,” Simeone expressed with enthusiasm.
“We compete in a LaLiga that includes Barcelona and Real Madrid, and arriving at this level requires consistent performance over four years in the Champions League.”
“This has enabled us to reach this point. I am confident that Atletico’s global growth is significant and continues to foster fresh ambitions for the future.”
Following their clash with PSG, Los Rojiblancos will take on ‘hosts’ Seattle Sounders on June 19, before concluding their group stage against Botafogo.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
