Diego Simeone admitted he has still not “found the key” as the Atletico Madrid boss targets his first ever away win against Barcelona in LaLiga.
The top two – who both have 38 points – will clash in a blockbuster clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday, with the winners set to occupy the top of LaLiga heading into 2025.
Atletico, who have a game in hand over the Blaugrana, are in second place due to an inferior goal difference and are on the crest of the wave having won each of their last 11 games in all competitions.
Simeone famously guided Los Rojiblancos to the league title in 2014 after a 1-1 draw with Barcelona on the final day of the season.
Incredibly, the Argentine has never before seen a league win against the Blaugrana away from home, with Atleti's last victory coming in 2006.
But he's looking forward to the challenge of putting that right.
“What we have been talking about for a month and a half, the team works well as a unit and in every match looks for opportunities to hurt the opponent, compete and improve,” Simeone told reporters during his preparation. match press conference.
“We are facing a team that is playing very well. I like their youth in midfield. Raphinha is one of the best in the league because of his courage and playing style. We have our strengths for a match that will certainly be entertaining .”
“It's a good thing I haven't won there in my life. I've won everywhere, and I won a competition there. It's a challenge to improve. It cost us a lot. The numbers speak for themselves. Obviously, I didn't find the key.”
Simeone also explained the reason why he did not feature alongside Alexander Sorloth against top scorer Julian Alvarez, with the latter limited to just seven starts this season despite being one of LaLiga's leading marksmen last season.
“With players of Julian's caliber it is very difficult to add more to his football,” the Atletico coach added.
“We have to try to surround him with people who can generate his best play and from there the positioning he has had in the last few games gives him more freedom to generate what he generates.
“I would like to say Sorlot, [Antoine] Griezmann and Julian together, but then the rest of the team comes into the picture.”
El Nino. Iconic. pic.twitter.com/zkebrGMjXa
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 20, 2024
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