Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Arsenal clash – ‘We need to manage our emotions effectively’

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Arsenal clash – ‘We need to manage our emotions effectively’

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has told the press that his side must manage their emotions effectively to beat Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, but said that ultimately it was up to the players. He also gave injury updates on three of his stars, with Julian Alvarez’s recovery a matter of state at the Metropolitano.

Speaking on Monday evening before Atletico trained at the Emirates, Simeone explained that he was relatively powerless once the first whistle went.

“No matter how much we analyse it, football is all about the players. We need to manage our emotions effectively so that the game unfolds at its best. The game changes as soon as it starts; experience and time bring more composure – not necessarily ease, but the peace of mind needed to face a match like tomorrow’s.”

“I’m going to try to get them to repeat the second half. If it’s that easy, it would be great,” he smiled, following an impressive second period in Madrid.

‘We just want the game to start’ – Diego Simeone

Simeone was in little mood to fuel any controversy, but cut a relaxed figure in the build-up to the game.

“You’re looking for a headline or a phrase that stands out from the ordinary, but the coaches and players just want the game to start. Because it’s a football match, and whoever plays better will win. We’ll try to maximise our strengths, and the Arsenal manager will try to maximise theirs.”

As was evidenced by his answer when he was asked why his side had changed the hotel they were staying in, compared to their 4-0 loss in the Champions League group stage.

“We’re better off now than we were in October. And the hotel was cheaper. That’s why we changed (laughs).”