Simeone wary of Real Madrid transitions as Atletico prepare for derby

Diego Simeone says Atletico de Madrid must be ready for Real Madrid’s attacking transitions when the two sides meet in Sunday’s Madrid derby in La Liga.

Atletico are preparing to host Real in the seventh round of the Spanish league, with Simeone stressing that the fixture presents a different challenge from other matches.

“It will be a different game,” Simeone said at his pre-match news conference. “Real Madrid’s attacking transitions are even better than ours, and we have to be prepared for that.”

The Atletico manager also spoke warmly about Jose Mourinho, who has faced Simeone on six previous occasions. Simeone has won two of those meetings, drawn one and lost three.

“I have great respect and admiration for Jose Mourinho, and he knows very well how much I appreciate him,” Simeone said.

The timing of the derby has become a recurring feature of the season, with the fixture repeatedly scheduled for the same point in the campaign.

Asked about that pattern, Simeone replied: “It is always at this time of the season. What a coincidence. These are certainly the cold balls.”

Simeone also confirmed that Atletico forward Julian Alvarez would be part of the squad for the match, although a decision on his role would be taken later.

“Yes, he will be with us,” Simeone said. “We will decide later whether he starts the game or comes on in the second half.”

Atletico go into the derby fourth in the La Liga table with 13 points from four wins, one draw and one defeat.

Real Madrid are second on 15 points, having recorded five wins and one defeat.

The match gives Simeone another meeting with Mourinho, against whom his previous record stands at two victories, one draw and three defeats from six games.