Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone feels that Inter Milan are at the same level as Real Madrid.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of this evening’s Champions League round of sixteen clash, as reported by FCInterNews, the Colchoneros boss heaped praise on his team’s opposition.
This evening, Inter will be facing one of the toughest tests of the season.
Atletico are one of Europe’s elite teams. And a knockout tie against the team from the Spanish capital is always going to be a formidable challenge.
But by that same token, this evening’s match also promises to be one of the toughest of Atletico’s season.
And it is undoubtedly one that the Colchoneros will have hoped to avoid.
When Atletico finished top of their Champions League group, they’ll have been thinking it likely meant a somewhat kinder draw in the round of sixteen.
But there was one team that the group winner will have all wanted to avoid: Inter.
The Nerazzurri finished second in their group – level on points with Real Sociedad, but behind on goal difference.
And it meant that one unlucky group winner would have to face last season’s finalist at the first knockout round.
And that has turned out to be Atletico. The La Liga team’s coach doesn’t hide that he sees Inter as absolutely top opposition.
Diego SImeone: Inter As Strong As Real Madrid
Asked if he thinks this will be the toughest match of Atletico’s season. Simeone replied “We also met Real Madrid in the league and in the cup.”
“They have the same level,” he compared the Nerazzurri and Los Blancos.
And the Atletico coach was also asked if he regrets that his team didn’t sign Lautaro Martinez in 2018, when Inter beat them to the punch.
“When young players like that come to Europe, there are a lot of clubs who want them,” the coach said.
“We were interested, but so were Inter. And they’re tough competition.”
“He didn’t join us,” Simeone reflected.
“But I’m happy for him,” he addded. “Because he’s Argentine and because he’s doing well for Inter.”
