Diego Simeone said he has “huge respect” for José Mourinho has the two coaches prepare to face each other in Sunday’s Madrid Derby in their first meeting since 2014.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid are two points ahead of Simeone’s Atlético with six games played in LaLiga, with both teams trailing early leaders Barcelona.
Simeone and Mourinho last played a competitive game in April 2014 in the Champions League semifinals, when Atlético eliminated Chelsea, while their last Madrid Derby was a year earlier, when Mourinho’s Real won 2-1.
“I’m not one to dwell on [things from] many years ago,” Simeone said in a news conference on Saturday when asked about his memories of facing the Portuguese coach.
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“I have huge respect for Mourinho, I’ve been an admirer of his for a long time, I’ve followed him and watched him.
“He knows the regard I have for him. Hopefully we can compete tomorrow as we have done when we’ve faced him.”
Atlético have had a difficult start to the season in attack, with Julián Álvarez barely involved after his bid to join Barça this summer, and Alexander Sorloth injured, although new arrival Jonathan David has scored two goals in his last two appearances.
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Álvarez made his first start of the season against Liverpool on September 9 — contributing an assist — but then missed games with Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
“He’ll be with us,” Simeone said on Saturday, when asked if Álvarez could feature in the derby. “Later we’ll decide whether he starts, or comes on in the second half.”
Mourinho’s Real have only lost once this season — at Real Betis — and won 3-2 at Elche on Tuesday.
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“They’re better in transition than us,” Simeone said, praising Mourinho’s side. “When there’s a loss of possession, they look for [Kylian] Mbappé and Vinicius [Junior], they play to that strength. We have to read the game well, and not allow any turnovers, so we don’t allow them to use those transitions.”
Atlético made a number of additions to their squad this summer including David, Cristian Romero, Alex Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee.
“I’m not one for giving advice,” Simeone said, when asked how they would fare in the derby. “It’s normal for new players to feel pressure, with the excitement a game like this generates, but they need to be calm. Football is about composure.”
