Diego Simeone says the Champions League final between local rivals Atletico and Real Madrid will be a "50-50" battle.
Atletico upset both Barcelona and Bayern Munich on their way to reaching their second European final in three years -- against the same opponents.
The 2014 final went to extra time before Real Madrid won 4-1, and Simeone expects another tight battle when they meet again on May 28.
"The final against Real Madrid is 50-50, we both know each other well," Simeone told Radio La Red. "The aim is winning the final."
Simeone said he's proud that Atletico have been able to compete neck and neck with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona while spending significantly less money.
"We're showing to the people that it's possible. It's about life more than football," he added. "We're very strong defending, but also we scored out of the Calderon [against Bayern], that is not easy.
"We've changed many players, but, fortunately, the new ones who've joined have got used very fast to the team. My team feels very identified with us, I'm very lucky to have them."
Atletico's success is sure to increase speculation about Simeone's future, and he outlined dreams to coach clubs in Italy as well as the national team of his native Argentina.
Simeone has been in charge at Atletico since December 2011, but has spoken in the past of a desire to take charge of Inter, having represented them during his playing days.
The 46-year-old reiterated that stance and also expressed his interest at coaching another former club Lazio, as well as Argentina, after earning 106 caps for his country.
"I'd like to be coach of Inter, Lazio and Argentina," he said. "But I'm not desperate. It's going to happen."