Atletico Boss Ready for Madrid Derby

Simeone emphasizes mental toughness ahead of Real Madrid clash

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is prioritizing his team's current performance and ability to compete in the busy schedule ahead of the Madrid derby against Real Madrid.

“We are just focusing on preparing for the match and ending this run of four matches in nine days, being close to...”

Preparing for the Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is prioritizing his team's current performance over past records as they gear up for the highly anticipated LaLiga clash against Real Madrid. With a busy schedule and only three days' rest after their match against Rayo Vallecano, Simeone emphasized the need for his players to make a huge effort. “The effort will depend on the mind, on sacrifice,” he said, highlighting the importance of mental toughness and dedication.

Despite Real Madrid's perfect start to the season with six consecutive wins, Atletico has historically been a formidable opponent for them. In fact, Real has failed to secure a win in the last five LaLiga derbies against Atletico. Simeone, however, chose to focus on the present rather than dwelling on past statistics, saying, “I don't dwell on the past, I live in the present.”

Simeone acknowledged the progress Real Madrid has made under coach Xabi Alonso, particularly in their team play and defensive strategies. Atletico, on the other hand, has had an inconsistent start to the season, picking up nine points from six matches. With eight new players and seven from last season, Simeone expressed his hope for continuous improvement, stating, “I hope we evolve, match after match, getting better and better.”

❝Creo que va a ser un partido bastante trabado en el medio, donde la circulación y las transiciones van a ser determinantes❞.

— Simeone 🎙 pic.twitter.com/J5CIpItNkq

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 26, 2025

“I don't dwell on the past, I live in the present,” Simeone told reporters on Friday.

“(Real) Madrid have improved their team play, they attack well positionally and the coach (Xabi Alonso) has worked on their defence, getting them to press higher up the pitch, which is why they've won all their games.”

Atletico Madrid's current league form is quite different from Real Madrid's, with Atletico securing nine points from six matches, including two wins, one loss, and three draws. This puts them in eighth place, while Real Madrid tops the league with 18 points from five matches, having won six games. Atletico's nine points come from two wins and three draws, showcasing their inconsistent performance this season.

“We have eight new players and seven from last season. We are in the process of trying to become a better team. We have done some good things and others that need improvement in this first stage of the journey,” Simeone said.

“I hope we evolve, match after match, getting better and better.”

Current Standings:

Real Madrid: 18 points, 6 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses

Atletico Madrid: 9 points, 2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are set to clash in the highly anticipated Madrid derby, with a notable difference in their recent schedules. Atletico Madrid played Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, just three days before the derby, whereas Real Madrid faced Levante on Tuesday, giving them slightly more time to rest and prepare. This disparity in rest time could potentially impact the teams' performances, with Atletico Madrid needing to overcome the fatigue from their midweek match to take on the league leaders. The match is scheduled to take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 14:15 GMT.

“We are just focusing on preparing for the match and ending this run of four matches in nine days, being close to the players, who have to make a huge effort, with only three days' rest,” the coach said.

“The effort will depend on the mind, on sacrifice.”

Convocatoria para el derbi 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/6Zwn34H2LD

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 26, 2025