Atlético coach Diego Pablo Simeone readies his squad for a high-stakes Super Cup semi-final against Real Madrid, reaffirming his trusted “match by match” approach. Returning to the pragmatic style that has yielded strong results, he noted that the league is a longer grind while the Super Cup is a shorter test, and that the outcome of the next day will not mirror what happened in the Copa del Rey. He expressed that facing a formidable opponent is inspiring and that such challenges raise expectations for the team.
Saudi Arabia continues to expand its football footprint, embracing the sport with a sense of responsibility and ambition that aligns with the global stage. Real Madrid, meanwhile, aims to field a broader roster for the Super Cup, signaling that this event will feature players who were not part of earlier matches. Simeone acknowledged that the current season is different from last September, with new players on both sides that will contribute to a distinct atmosphere on the day of the final reckoning. The Argentine coach insisted that the team will play in a way that reflects its beliefs at this stage of the campaign.
Atlético travels to Saudi Arabia, a destination that recently saw the club part with Yannick Carrasco. Simeone admitted a concern that similar temptations could reappear, noting that while there is no open possibility of an exit, the club possesses players who could be drawn by the opportunities created in Saudi football. His hope remains that any such moves would benefit both the players and the club in the long run, as is the usual aim in football careers.
The departure of a Belgian player has intensified the rivalry between Samu Lino and Rodrigo Riquelme, enriching Atlético’s style on the flanks. Simeone has kept a unified stance with all participants in the Super Cup, emphasizing the long-standing commitment to the tournament being staged in the Middle East. He highlighted the welcome the squad has repeatedly received during their visits to the country and stated that their purpose is to compete because that is how the event was organized.
“De Paul is an extraordinary player like few others”
Simeone also addressed the progression of Rodrigo de Paul, noting his growth and leadership. He described de Paul as an exceptional performer who brings a sense of authority and personality to the field, and who has demonstrated his influence in recent matches. The coach reflected on the transfer of this player from Udinese as part of a broader evaluation of the squad’s pace and depth, acknowledging the evolving role that de Paul has assumed within the team.
During the press conference, the discussion shifted away from financial details. Simeone suggested that those numbers are best left to club leadership and that his focus remains on preparing the team for the game. What matters most, he stated, is the result on the day. He expressed a clear dedication to his responsibilities, aiming to deliver his best performance for the squad and its supporters, while maintaining a calm, focused approach to the match and its significance in the season’s arc.