“Zidane was a winning player and now a winning coach”

Diego Pablo Simeone addressed the press in the run-up to the derby against Real Madrid. A match that, in the event of victory, would serve to move the white team away to nine points away in the League with a less disputed match.

Zidane has said that Atlético is the favorite for LaLiga.

I do not usually comment on the opinions of colleagues. Each one has an opinion formed and develops it as he understands it. I respect any opinion, be it positive or negative.

Is there a favorite in a game like this?

It is a very nice game, with fantastic footballers on both teams. Madrid have been competing for many years, they feel admiration for their rival, the players they have and remain in force despite their age. They continue to compete with the youth in the head and that is to be admired, regardless of being a historical rival. We want to take the game where we can hurt and it will be a very nice game.

What quality do you value most in Zidane?

Those who can give their best opinion are the footballers, who live with him and it is very difficult from the outside to give an opinion on what is seen from the outside. I think the most important thing that coaches have is inward. He transmits security, confidence and was a winning footballer and now a winning coach. He shows it with respect and is admirable.

How is Herrera?

The way I will tell the footballers as a result of what we see that we can do harm. Like any of the footballers, he is fit to play. The games allow us five changes and that is good when a group is as good as ours. We hope to maintain that trust of who enters and who leaves to continue responding as a team.

What does Suárez lack to be in his best shape?

They all go through different stages. Let's not forget that it comes from having the coronavirus, the last game had been in Ecuador and it has been 20 days without competing. It is normal that each one needs their time for the best situation. It is very important for us, he has the goal gene inside him and it is a very important game for him and for the team. Hopefully the time I am on the field can give the best for the team.

What would you say to Koke?

Thank you for everything you are giving us and please do not download anything. We need from him that same dedication and enthusiasm to play every game.

Is the current Atleti the result of the transition year?

Last season helped us to grow with a lot of footballers who today have a better version in each of them. That has made us grow, especially since the competition for the virus stopped.

It seems that Madrid grows in these games.

All I know is what we've been driving for nine years. We understand each game as such and tomorrow we will not change the way we play from game to game. The opinion of the rival in different situations does not change us. We hope to get the game where we want.

How do you see Madrid?

Madrid have improved in recent games. He had a good game in Seville, with defensive security. He has grown backwards, he tries to put pressure on the rival field even with one-on-one duels and then backs down to protect himself and take advantage of the speed of Vinicius, Rodrygo or Lucas. Asensio has a different game and that growth we are seeing in the last games. We will take the best that the rival has shown the things that we can put at our disposal.

Can Correa start to the detriment of Suárez?

It is clear that I will not comment on the training. They know me quite a lot, I have no bad luck, I am lucky to have players who compete very well in a club who have to give their best and it is the only way I know, to give their best and serve the team. In that place there are many, the other day Herrera and Correa entered very well, I appreciate the spirit of those who left the last minutes such as Lodi, Lemar and Torreira and it is the only way to play as a team. We need everyone.

Do you think Zidane wants to put pressure on you?

No.