Diego Simeone has rejected suggestions Atletico Madrid are favourites for their Champions League last-16 tie with Tottenham
Diego Simeone has dismissed claims that Atletico Madrid are favourites for their Champions League last-16 clash with beleaguered Tottenham.
Spurs are locked in a fight to remain in the Premier League following a winless domestic start to 2026, and interim manager Igor Tudor has begun his tenure with three consecutive losses.
An extensive injury crisis has hampered Tottenham's efforts and they will remain without eight players for Tuesday's first leg at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, yet Simeone has emphasised that Atletico, who sit third in LaLiga, will not take the English side lightly.
"I don't know what it's related to," Simeone said at a press conference, via AS.
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"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 fixture sees Spurs midfielder Conor Gallagher return to Atletico two months following his exit.
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 Atletico."
Tottenham's skipper Cristian Romero was on Atletico's radar last summer, but Simeone was not questioned about the Argentine defender.