Diego Simeone confirmed Diego Godin will start for Atletico Madrid and warned Juventus “are not just Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s hard to talk about favourites” even after a 2-0 first leg win.
The Juventus Stadium hosts the Champions League Round of 16 decider on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT.
“I think whenever it’s a knockout round like this between two such important clubs, both treat it like two halves of one match,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Diego Simeone confirmed Diego Godin will start for Atletico Madrid and warned Juventus “are not just Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s hard to talk about favourites” even after a 2-0 first leg win.
The Juventus Stadium hosts the Champions League Round of 16 decider on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT.
“I think whenever it’s a knockout round like this between two such important clubs, both treat it like two halves of one match,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“The first leg is one moment, the second leg is another. Everyone tries to prepare and organise, but football is about details that cannot be explained or predicted and that’s what makes this sport fantastic. We can talk about it as much as we like, but it won’t make much difference.”
The Colchoneros are missing Lucas Hernandez and Filipe Luis, while Diego Godin is not 100 per cent fit with a muscular problem.
Both Diego Costa and Thomas Partey are suspended, but Koke returns after missing the first leg through a ban.
“I am trying to decide who to pick so the team will work in the best way. I’ll make do with what I have at my disposal. Like all strikers, Alvaro Morata is important, as he gives the side options, holds up the play and must make the most of the spaces that will be left by an opposition that needs to attack.
“Godin is fine, he’ll train today and I expect him to play tomorrow. We’ll be ready for battle against strong players and Juve are not just Cristiano Ronaldo. They also have Federico Bernardeschi, Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa, so whoever plays with Mario Mandzukic and Ronaldo will certainly force us to focus.”
It has been said that Juventus going out in the Champions League Round of 16 would be considered a failure. Simeone was asked if Atletico Madrid failing to qualify after winning the first leg 2-0 would also be a failure.
“As I said, these are two strong teams, one will go through and the other won’t. It’s hard to talk about there being favourites.”
Simeone has history in Italian football with Lazio and Inter, then at Catania near the start of his coaching career. Is there a feeling of revenge against Juve, especially after losing the 1998 Scudetto in controversial fashion?
“No, every game is different and we must fight with calm and humility, knowing we are up against a very strong club. I have no doubts it’ll be a fascinating game of football.”