The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/River-Plate-c40368 manager wants Los Rojiblancos to improve their UEFA Champions League credentials with a win in the Madrid derby.
With only 7 league fixtures remaining, Atletico Madrid find themselves in 7th place in La Liga rankings, 8 points adrift of UEFA Champions League qualification slots.
Los Rojiblancos take on the challenge of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in their next domestic meeting at the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Calderon, with plenty at stake for both clubs.
With history against the home side, Atletico Madrid legend, Paolo Futre, earlier stated that a derby win in over twelve years will be much welcomed by the Atleti faithful.
The fan favourite added that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 will be the major beneficiaries of a positive result for the 9-time La Liga champions, which will add salt to the wounds of Real Madrid fans.
However, manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058 Pablo Simone believes otherwise and played down the comments of his compatriot. El Cholo stated that Los Rojiblancos will have to win the Madrid derby for themselves and the fans, and should not think what effect it might have on other
parties.
"I disagree with Futre," the Argentine said while talking to reporters. "It would be mediocre to think of winning just because it would do Barca a favour.”
"I do not care what it means for the others. We want the three points for ourselves.”
"In my case, I don't need an anti-Madridista gene. I'm only concerned about talking about us.”
"Atletico Madrid are Atletico Madrid. It is the only way to grow: looking inside and not outside."
Talking about the fixture, Simeone voiced his admiration for his opposing number, praising Jose Mourinho for his man management skills.
He added that the Special One deserves the laurels that have come his way, as the teams he has managed can triumph anywhere.
"I have great admiration for him," the former Rojiblancos midfielder confessed. "The way in which he has handled his squad is the best way to ensure that they can be successful everywhere."
The crunch league fixture is set for April 11, with the kick off scheduled for 22 00 hours Central European Time.
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