Diego Simeone has rejected suggestions Atlético Madrid are favourites for their Champions League round-of-16 tie with struggling Tottenham.
Spurs are embroiled in a battle to stay in the Premier League after a winless start to 2026 domestically and interim head coach Igor Tudor has started his reign with three defeats.
A lengthy injury list has affected Tottenham's cause and they will still be without eight players for Tuesday's first leg at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, but Simeone has insisted Atlético, who are third in LaLiga, will not underestimate the English club.
"I don't know what it's related to," Simeone told a news conference, via AS.
"If you relate it to them finishing fourth in the Champions League [league phase], then we're not favourites. If you relate it to their [Premier League] position? It depends on how you want to relate it.
"Just like every other match. When you step onto the pitch, you don't remember where you are in the standings or what stage you're at.
"The players want to win, to play well. I don't know any of them who thinks about their league position when they're about to take a shot.
"We don't know how the match will start, but we know their strengths and weaknesses. I know the coach, he's always played his teams with an attacking mindset, regardless of the formation."
This tie sees Spurs midfielder Conor Gallagher return to Atlético two months after his departure.
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Simeone added: "A young man who worked with us with great humility.
"He can play in different positions because of his collective work rate, which benefits the team. He behaved very well and we have very fond memories of his time at Atlético."
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was tracked by Atlético last summer, but Simeone was not asked about the Argentine defender.