Game 34: San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants
Padres face Giants on May 4, 2026, at Oracle Park.
Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone emphasized the need for his players to manage their emotions effectively in the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. He acknowledged that the outcome ultimately depends on the players' performance on the field.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Arsenal clash â âWe need to manage our emotions effectivelyâ
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 Alvarezâs 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.
âNo 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 â not necessarily ease, but the peace of mind needed to face a match like tomorrowâs.â
âIâm going to try to get them to repeat the second half. If itâs that easy, it would be great,â he smiled, following an impressive second period in Madrid.
Simeone was in little mood to fuel any controversy, but cut a relaxed figure in the build-up to the game.
âYouâre 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 itâs a football match, and whoever plays better will win. Weâll try to maximise our strengths, and the Arsenal manager will try to maximise theirs.â
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.
âWeâre better off now than we were in October. And the hotel was cheaper. Thatâs why we changed (laughs).â
Diego Simeone stated that his team needs to manage their emotions effectively to perform well against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final.
Simeone provided updates on three injured players, highlighting Julian Alvarez's recovery as a significant concern for the team.
Simeone believes that once the match starts, it is up to the players to handle the game, as he feels relatively powerless during the match.
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal is scheduled for Tuesday.
Padres face Giants on May 4, 2026, at Oracle Park.
Jaguars select linebacker Parker Hughes at 240th overall in 2026 NFL draft.
Gen.G is paving the way for high school and college students to enter gaming careers.
Is Miami the Next Stop for MotoGP? Discussions Underway!
Clayton Freshcorn earns 11th save, ties for fifth in Texas A&M history
Mets defeat Rockies 4-2 as Colorado bats struggle late in the game.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Atletico Madrid are nursing three injury doubts for the game, with Julian Alvarez the most doubtful case, followed by Alexander Sorloth and Giuliano Simeone.
âThey moved around a bit yesterday, theyâre better. We hope they can train well and weâll decide how to start tomorrow morning. Julian [Alvarez] knows the English league very well, last weekâs game was very good and hopefully he can respond in the way the game demands.â
In terms of managing the emotional demands of the game, Simeone was again assured of his plan, if not willing to come across as over-confident.
âWe will try to play the game that needs to be played, with the intensity and understanding that the match demands. We have a lot of faith in what we do, convinced and sure of what we want to achieve in this match, and the result wonât depend solely on us.â
Arsenal kick off against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates at 21:00 CEST on Tuesday night, with the Gunners narrow favourites for the clash. However Los Colchoneros have been feeling optimistic about their chances against an Arsenal side they put under pressure in the first leg.