Champions League vs Arsenal! Simeone: Their set-piece tactics are their advantage and the game will be very intense

Atletico Madrid head coach Simeone attended the pre-match press conference for the Champions League away game against Arsenal. He analyzed the upcoming challenges and talked about the team's current state and other topics.

Does the experience against Liverpool have any lessons for this game?

Simone: What we are going to face is a very good team with a clear game pattern and incredible ability to control the game. They have been under Arteta for five or six years and have a clear identity that they will never compromise. Quite the contrary, they continue to improve, solidifying the same philosophy by adding great players at positions they believe they can continue to grow. They competed in the Premier League to the end every season, and while they didn't always get their due, it clearly reflected their character. We have to get the game into a rhythm where we think we can hurt them. It's going to be a great stadium, with cheering fans, and the game is sure to be fast-paced.

Do you feel Atletico Madrid is undervalued?

Simone: Everything in life will produce various opinions. Everyone has their own opinion and their own path. We know our path, we have a clear identity and we know what kind of football we are playing. We evolved based on the characteristics of the players and we came here with the desire to play a great game and get the win we need away from home and in the Champions League.

What kind of game do you expect?

Simeone: It will definitely be very intense, characterized by their pressing in the opponent's half, although they also know how to recycle defense. They're very good in transition after breaking the ball, with a lot of speed on the wing and a very clear game pattern. We're going to look to inflict damage on them using what we've been rehearsing.

Have you specifically practiced Arsenal's set-piece tactics?

Simone: I saw a very good penalty shooter, a tall player and a very good header. It's not normal for them to score so many goals this way, they practice this tactic very methodically. This is a huge advantage. We won a lot of games this way ourselves in 2014, and it's an option they have.

Would a draw be a good result?

Simone: If we can play with ten men for 85 minutes like in 2018, then I will definitely say yes...

What do you think of Serlot's situation in the team?

Simone: His situation is also shared by other teammates. A team needs to maintain a certain level of stability, but in our team, it’s difficult to have players who have very little playing time. Apart from Carlos Martin and Marc (Pubil), everyone else has played quite a bit. That's the key, a lot of internal competition, different characteristics, and every game is different. A coach will envision a situation and decide that he needs certain abilities. Serlot trains hard with desire, hoping that when his turn comes, whether it is 10 minutes, 60 minutes or 90 minutes, he can perform well.

Arteta commented on the possibility of coaching in the Premier League in the future

Simone: I live in the moment. This is the view of an important figure, someone young but experienced, as Arteta is now. You never know what will happen tomorrow. We want to be on the field and live in the present.