The Atletico Madrid boss is unfazed by limited preparation time ahead of the Copa del Rey final, pointing to his side’s Super Cup win over Chelsea as proof that it will not matter
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone insists he is not concerned that his side will have less time to rest than Real Madrid ahead of the Copa del Rey final.
Atleti face Barcelona on May 12, 24 hours after their city rivals’ clash with Espanyol and just five days prior to the final, but Simeone has pointed to their Super Cup success over Chelsea as proof that additional time to prepare is not always beneficial.
“Our preparation for the match is going well. It was the same against Chelsea: they played their league match before us and we won. We are fine with the days we have to prepare,” he was quoted as saying by AS.
Jose Mourinho’s side came from behind to defeat Atletico in the Liga clash last week, but Simeone revealed the squad have not been allowed to dwell on the result.
“We haven’t talked about it much. We have placed our focus on the game coming up [against Deportivo]; that’s the one that interests us and helps us get closer to the target of Champions League qualification,” he said.
Atletico take on Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Saturday.