By: Oma Akatugba
Diego Simeone is one of the managers who you can rely upon to handle big games like the one taking place in Tallin Estonia today.
His team Atletico Madrid takes on city rivals Real Madrid in the first game of the year in UEFA calendar. The UEFA super cup is holding in Tallin Estonia. Real Madrid, on the other hand, have to do with without two of their most prominent characters, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Simeone who both left the club after lifting the UEFA Champions League for the third time back to back.
In place of Zinedine Zidane is Julen Lopetegui. He has had much of his success working at youth level and now saddled with the responsibility of tinkering the senior team at the top level, a level he is not too familiar with except for coaching Spain at international level before being sacked during the FIFA world cup in Russia controversially. His opponent tonight, Diego Simeone believes he Lopetegui will bring his playing philosophy to the fore when they play in Tallin tonight.
“Real Madrid is going to play a different style; they press you high and want to control the game in your half. Lopetegui had that same philosophy as Spain boss.”
Simone went to say the most important thing would be their desire to win and how they want to improve on last season.
“We want to improve on last season. Expectations are high, and we know what’s demanded of us. The most important thing tomorrow is emotion and a desire to win. That’s what we’ll have. Everyone in the squad who has travelled is fit to play.”
Atletico Madrid is yet to defeat Real Madrid in a competition final.