Simeone has highlighted the fast pace of the English Premier League as Atlético Madrid prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in the last sixteen of the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking on Monday before the first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium, the Atletico Madrid coach said English teams play at a noticeably quicker tempo compared to other European leagues.
Tottenham impressed in the league phase of the competition, finishing fourth despite struggling in the Premier League where they have recently been battling poor results. English clubs performed strongly overall, with five teams finishing in the top eight of the Champions League table and six progressing to the last sixteen. Spain followed with three representatives.
Simeone admitted he could clearly see the difference in speed when watching English football.
According to him, the tempo of the Premier League is faster than leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany. The Argentine coach said he was unsure about the exact reason behind the difference, although some believe referees in England allow the game to flow more freely.
Despite praising the intensity of English football, Simeone insisted that pace alone will not determine the outcome of the match. He stressed that technical quality and tactical discipline will also play a major role when the two sides meet.
The Atletico boss also rejected the idea that his team should be considered favourites going into the tie. Tottenham are currently managed by Igor Tudor and have endured a difficult run, losing five consecutive matches in recent weeks.
However, Simeone believes form and league position matter little once players step onto the pitch for a major European clash. He said footballers focus on winning and performing well rather than thinking about standings or recent results.
The match will also see Atletico come up against former midfielder Conor Gallagher, who joined Tottenham in January after spending a season and a half with the Spanish club.
Simeone praised Gallagher’s attitude during his time in Madrid, describing him as a humble and hardworking player who can be dangerous when arriving from midfield.
The highly anticipated Champions League encounter promises to be a test of both intensity and quality as Atletico Madrid attempt to overcome Tottenham and progress further in Europe’s biggest club competition.
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