The Espanyol head coach believes his charges have a tough fixture on their hands against Atletico but believes a win will be a big boost for their Champions League hopes.
Los Parakeets travel to the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mauricio-c24899 Pochettino, believes his charges can return to Catalonia with a positive result.
The retired centre-back claimed that a win against Atletico will be an important push for his players who will be propelled higher on the leader board and one step closer to their dream of playing in the next edition of UEFA Champions League.
"Winning three points allow us to keep the illusion intact to finish in a European competition it also then we also face rivals."
Predicting the details of the match, Pochettino claimed that Atletico have the players who can create anything out of nothing and they will have to keep them in check to get a positive result.
He praised Atletico Madrid for the endearing football they produce, and also highlighted the danger El Cholo’s men carry from set pieces, adding that his players should get ready to have a tiring night out.
Finally, the technician talked about the similarities between himself and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058 Simeone. Pochettino revealed that he has a good relationship with his compatriot but there are more different than similar.
The Espanyol coach remarked that Simeone is ahead of him in the managerial cycle after heading various teams in South American and now in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011. He also praised his counterpart for his impressive managerial record in Argentina which also includes silverware
success.
"We have always maintained a good relationship. But we are quite different, he began his coaching career in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 and won titles there. Has experience in various teams, but both respond to the new profile of young technicians."
The league fixture is equally important for both Argentine managers as UEFA Champions League qualification on the line.
With a paltry five matches remaining until the end of 2011/12 La Liga season, Atletico Madrid and Espanyol have accumulated 45 points from their 33 domestic outings.
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