Diego Simeone is currently the longest-serving manager in LaLiga but despite winning the league on two occasions with Atletico Madrid, he is yet to taste victory at the home of rivals Barcelona and he is relishing Saturday’s challenge.
Atleti make the trip to Barca with both side’s level on 38 points, a scenario which still seems surprising with Simeone’s team 10 points behind the league leaders less than two months ago.
Red-hot Atletico have been incredible, winning 11 consecutive matches across all competitions, cutting Barca’s lead – even with a game in hand – ahead of the last match of the year before the winter break.
“What we’ve been talking about for a month and a half, the team is working well as a unit, looking for opportunities in each game to hurt the opponent, to compete and improve,” Simeone said in his presser.
“We face a team that plays very well, I like their youth in the midfield, Raphinha is one of the best in the league for his courage and style of play. We have our strengths for a game that will surely be entertaining.”
Although Atletico have emerged victorious away at Barcelona since 2006, Simeone still reckons how they won the league title at the Camp Nou with a draw in the final game of the 2013-14 season.
“It’s a good thing I haven’t won there in my life. I’ve won everywhere and I’ve won a league there. It’s a challenge to improve,” Simeone added.
“It has cost us a lot, the numbers speak for themselves. Obviously, I haven’t found the key.”
