Simeone ahead of Atleti-Real Madrid: Julián could start...

Simeone ahead of Atleti-Real Madrid: Julián could start... Diego Pablo Simeone has spoken at a press conference ahead of Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid. The runs heading into the derby "We're used to the previous match not being linked to the city's clásico. I don't see how our previous matches or theirs have anything to do with this game." Will Julián Álvarez play? "He'll be with us. Then we'll decide whether he starts or comes on during the match." Real Madrid's counterattacks "The characteristics of the two teams: they have a more powerful transition than we do. After any loss of possession, they look for that option with Mbappé and Vinicius. On our side, we have to try not to give the ball away, which is what they've shown they do best." The Simeone vs Mourinho duel "Putting myself back so many years... I can't think of an answer to please your question. I have a lot of admiration for Mourinho. I'm an admirer of him. He knows the affection I have for him. Hopefully we compete the way we have when we've had to face each other." Grimaldo's current moment "It's only natural that his adaptation is gradual. In the Real Sociedad match he already took on responsibility, like taking the penalty, then providing an assist. He had a very good game the other day in every phase. We need to help him in the defensive phase and for him to raise his effort level to balance all the talent he has. First help him, and then he helps us." Advice for newcomers like Kang In-Lee "I'm not one to give advice, I don't think I'm in a position to give advice. But I can share experiences. The pressure is normal, as is the excitement a match like tomorrow's creates, especially at the Metropolitano with our fans. Calm, above all calm. Football is confidence. There's one word, and it's confidence. If you're confident in what you do, it may go badly or well, but you'll go to sleep in peace." Lookman "He's a player I'm very fond of and he has a profile we don't really have much of. He's the most decisive one-on-one player in the penalty area. We need him, whether it's for 60 minutes, 90, or however long he's on the pitch. His attacking potential did us a lot of good in December, and even though his start to the season isn't what he'd want, he'll show up because he has qualities that are different." The atmosphere at the Metropolitano "Madrid is having an incredible week. I got to take part in Formula 1, yesterday I went for a while to see Shakira... Tomorrow it's Atlético against Madrid. Madrid is growing, there's a fantastic energy, and hopefully we can enjoy it." The competition in midfield without Barrios "For us, the growth of each one of them is very good. It gives us the competition we've always wanted so we can perform better out on the pitch. Each one has different characteristics. Hopefully we get it right and every decision we make helps us with what the match needs." Motivation for a derby "It's different, that's the reality. There's enormous tension and excitement because of the competitiveness we've managed to regain over these 15 years. Confidence is an important value in this match." This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.