Football
9y

Atletico Madrid wary of Rayo Vallecano threat, says Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned his players not to slip up in Saturday's La Liga game at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Defending champions Atletico go into the game four points behind table-toppers Real Madrid, having played one game fewer, and with the possible added distraction of Wednesday's looming Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg at home to Barcelona.

Rayo have been their usual inconsistent selves recently, losing 1-0 at home to struggling Cordoba a fortnight ago, but showing their potential for upsets on the road by winning 1-0 at David Moyes' Real Sociedad last weekend.

Although Atletico have won their last four home games against their city neighbours, scoring 14 times and conceding just four, the Colchoneros boss told his pre-game news conference that he expected a difficult test on Saturday.

"Every team has their style, and they are coming here after a good game away from home," Simeone said. "They will demand a good game from us, with lots of intensity, to bring the game to a place which suits us. For sure, they are a brave team, with lots of pace and a clear identity of play. We hope tomorrow to respond to the challenge we are faced with."

With Atletico's usual starting centre-back Diego Godin suspended for the game, Simeone said he had full faith in likely starters Joao Miranda and Jose Maria Gimenez.

"Joao has trained very well, and especially against Barcelona was at the level we are used to," he said. "Jose has been showing his improvement and the stability of the team proves that. I think this is their first time together, but I hope it works out well, both on an individual level and for the team."

With key midfielders Arda Turan and Koke reportedly struggling with minor injury issues, Simeone would not reveal whether he would rest any players ahead of next Wednesday's Copa return at home to Barcelona, in which his team must overcome a 1-0 deficit from last Wednesday's first leg.

"We will try and go out with the players in best condition for a game as important as tomorrow's," he said. "We had a recovery session yesterday, will move a bit more today. Then tomorrow we will see who is best to play""

Midfielder Cani, who arrived on loan from Villarreal in early January but has yet to make his Atletico debut, could well feature however.

"Tomorrow for sure he will be with the squad, then we will decide," Simeone said. "He is improving. He came from working on the sidelines, and now he has been training some weeks with us. In any moment he can come into the team, so we can use his talent."

Asked about potential interest from Inter Milan in his midfielder Mario Suarez, Simeone declined to go into too many details.

"I am always happy when there is interest in our team, as it shows the great team we have," he said.

The Argentine coach did give praise to his son Giovanni, who has scored six goals in four games so far at the South American Under-20 championships being played currently in Uruguay.

"The truth is I am happy, as a father, about what is happening to my son," he said. "There is still a long way to go for them in the tournament. I hope they can qualify for the World Cup."

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