Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has downplayed his side's status as favorites ahead of their upcoming clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Argentine coach was keen to shift the focus onto the respective paths both teams took to reach this stage of the competition. He pointed specifically to the league phase standings as a clear indicator of the challenge that awaits his team.
According to Simeone, the numbers do not lie, as Tottenham secured a fourth-place finish in the league phase while his own squad had to navigate through the play-offs to advance. "It's clear that we are not favorites," the Atletico boss stated, emphasizing the disparity in their previous results. His comments suggest a strategy to relieve his players of any undue pressure while showing respect to their English opponents.
Despite his side's strong pedigree in European competitions, Simeone’s assessment frames Atletico as the underdogs heading into the tie. The statement serves as both a psychological tactic and a genuine acknowledgment of Tottenham's quality. As the match approaches, it is clear that Simeone is preparing his squad for a battle, regardless of the pre-match predictions.