Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético Madrid, and forward Julián Álvarez provided insights ahead of their upcoming away match against Arsenal in the third round of the UEFA Champions League.
Julián Álvarez expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, stating that Atlético possesses a strong squad that can “win against anyone.” He acknowledged that the season started off below expectations but believes the team is gaining momentum. “We may not have started the season in the best way, but the team is in good shape, and we’ve been improving. Now is a good time for us to face anyone,” he remarked.
Further addressing criticisms regarding the team’s lack of victories on the road, Álvarez expressed hope, saying, “We hope to take that step forward to win this away game. Many matches have slipped away from us due to small details, and we are working to improve and minimize errors. By addressing these issues, we can change our situation.”
In analyzing Arsenal, Álvarez noted their strengths, saying, “Arsenal is a good team capable of controlling possession and strong in set pieces, but we have our own strengths that can hurt them. This is a significant match, and we need to focus on winning each game to quickly position ourselves well.” He emphasized the need for strong defense and precision in attack to secure victories.
Coach Simeone also shared his perspective, underlining the necessity of achieving a win, especially since it’s a Champions League away game. He highlighted Arsenal’s impressive form and clarity of play, stating, “We are up against a very good team with an identity that has been developed over the past few years under Arteta. They have consistently competed at a high level.”
Simeone elaborated on the tactical approach for the match, expressing the need to manipulate the game in a manner that plays to Atlético’s strengths. “We anticipate a high-intensity match marked by their pressing in our half. They excel at recovering the ball and transitioning quickly,” he noted.
Additionally, he addressed Arsenal’s aerial threat, pointing out, “They have great headers and have developed this aspect well. It’s a significant advantage for them; we won many matches from set pieces back in 2014. This represents another option for them.”
As for the current standings, Atlético Madrid is in fourth place in LaLiga, trailing Real Madrid by eight points. In the Champions League, they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield but bounced back with a resounding 5-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at home. Conversely, Arsenal sits atop the Premier League, three points ahead of Manchester City, and enters this match boasting two Champions League victories against Athletic Club and Olympiacos, both by 2-0.
Both teams are primed for an exciting clash, with Atlético aiming to turn their form around and capitalize on their strengths against a formidable opponent in Arsenal.