Atletico Madrid Boss Simeone Confident Ahead of Barcelona Clash

Diego Simeone is confident Atletico Madrid can secure a long-awaited win at Barcelona, with his side on an 11-match winning streak.

Diego Simeone, the longest-tenured manager in LaLiga, is eager to conquer a significant challenge that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career: securing a win away at Barcelona. Despite leading Atletico Madrid to two league titles, Simeone has yet to taste victory at the Camp Nou.

When Atletico Madrid visits Barcelona on Saturday, both teams will be level on 38 points, a remarkable turnaround from just two months ago. At that time, Barcelona held a commanding 10-point lead, making the current stalemate seem unimaginable.

Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone's guidance, has been on an impressive 11-match winning streak across all competitions. This remarkable run has effectively erased Barcelona's previous lead, with Atletico also holding a game in hand. The two teams will face off in the final match of the year before the winter break.

Diego Simeone expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, “What we've been talking about for a month and a half, the team is working well as a unit, looking for opportunities in each game to hurt the opponent, to compete and improve.” Simeone also praised Barcelona, saying, “We face a team that plays very well, I like their youth in the midfield, Raphinha is one of the best in the league for his courage and style of play. We have our strengths for a game that will surely be entertaining.”

Diego Simeone, the longest-serving manager in LaLiga, is eager to conquer a significant challenge that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career: securing a win away at Barcelona. Despite leading Atletico Madrid to two league titles, Simeone has yet to taste victory at the Camp Nou.

In a remarkable turn of events, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are now level on 38 points, with the two teams set to clash on Saturday. Just two months ago, Barcelona held a commanding 10-point lead, making the current stalemate seem unimaginable.

Atletico Madrid's impressive 11-match winning streak across all competitions has effectively erased Barcelona's previous lead, with the team also holding a game in hand. This momentum propels them into the final match of the year before the winter break.

Diego Simeone attributed his team's success to their unity and competitive spirit. “What we've been talking about for a month and a half, the team is working well as a unit, looking for opportunities in each game to hurt the opponent, to compete and improve,” Simeone told reporters on Friday. He also praised Barcelona, saying, “We face a team that plays very well, I like their youth in the midfield, Raphinha is one of the best in the league for his courage and style of play. We have our strengths for a game that will surely be entertaining.”

Despite Atletico Madrid's poor record at Barcelona, with their last away win dating back to 2006, Simeone remains optimistic. He reflected on their 2013-14 league title win, which was secured with a draw at the Camp Nou in the final game of the season. “It's a good thing I haven't won there in my life. I've won everywhere and I've won a league there. It's a challenge to improve,” Simeone said. “It has cost us a lot, the numbers speak for themselves. Obviously, I haven't found the key.”

Atletico Madrid's recent resurgence has coincided with an increase in goal-scoring form from new signing Julian Alvarez. The 24-year-old has netted 12 times in all competitions, topping the club's scoring charts. Alvarez initially took time to settle into his new role, but his improved output has been a significant factor in Atletico's winning streak.

Julian Alvarez has made a significant impact, outscoring notable players like Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth, who was one of LaLiga's top scorers last season but has found himself relegated to the bench this campaign. Diego Simeone praised Alvarez, saying, “With players of Julian's calibre, it's very difficult to add more to his football.”

“We have to try to surround him with people who can generate his best play and from there, the positioning he's had in these last few games gives him more freedom to generate what he generates.

“I'd like to put Sorloth, Griezmann and Julian together, but then the rest of the team will be exposed.”