Diego Simeone leads Atletico in pursuit of European comeback versus Arsenal
Atletico Madrid will face Arsenal at home on Wednesday during the Champions League semi finals, aiming for redemption following their heartbreaking loss in the Copa del Rey final just over a week prior.
Thousands of Atletico supporters made the trip to Seville, yet returned without a trophy, much like in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals where they fell to fierce opponents Real Madrid.
The club has yet to claim victory in Europes top tournament and also suffered defeat in their sole other final outing back in 1974.
They have the chance to move closer to a fourth final appearance against Mikel Artetas team this week, coinciding with the clubs 123rd anniversary celebrations.
Returning home after the Copa final setback, Atletico faced a chilly welcome from fans during Saturdays match against Athletic Bilbao.
The supporters do not require words from me, what they require is victories, remarked Simeone, the clubs most successful coach ever, while in Seville.
Nevertheless, after securing a 3-2 win against Athletic, their second triumph in nine outings across various competitions, the atmosphere improved noticeably.
We must rise above that setback and pour everything into reaching the final, stated crucial forward Julian Alvarez on Monday.
The clash with Arsenal presents an opportunity for swift recovery, and by Wednesday, the stadium will buzz with electric energy, similar to the quarter final triumph over Barcelona.
Although no longer at the Vicente Calderon, the Metropolitano delivers equally fierce support, amplified by its larger seating.
Inaugurated in 2017, it lacks the legacy of its forerunner, a legacy that demands time and standout displays on big nights like this to develop.
Congratulations Atletico, if you overcome Arsenal, the anniversary festivities will be complete, commented the Madrid based publication AS.
The Rojiblancos faithful produce Spains most passionate backing, and Simeone urged them to propel his squad past the Premier League frontrunners.
Atletico have fought hard to arrive at Champions League semi finals and finals, the manager clarified.
We have forged this achievement via dedication and the backing of our supporters.
We require them now above all, and with luck, we can deliver on the field what they desire.
Bravery and passion
In favourable circumstances at the Metropolitano, Atletico have shown they can overwhelm opponents.
They dominated Barcelona with a 4-0 score in the Copa del Rey semi final first leg, an advantage too great to overturn, and earlier this season, they crushed Real Madrid 5-2 in a derby there.
Such encounters, among numerous others, should dispel the notion that Simeoones side sticks to the grim, cautious style that underpinned their early triumphs during the initial phase of his 14 year tenure.
Yet what remains essential, past, present and future under Simeone, centres on his players intensity, effort, drive to compete, and willingness to endure against stronger foes when necessary.
We have advanced this far by competing in our distinctive manner, nothing has halted our progress thus far, Simeone affirmed.
Coraje y corazon, meaning bravery and passion, serves as the squads creed, and even during offensive moves, Atletico seek to inflict harm through strength and pace.
The managers offspring, Giuliano Simeone, along with Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth, form a vigorous, forceful attacking line, while star player Antoine Griezmann tirelessly contributes.
If you fail to sprint, you will sit out the next day, Simeone quipped, positioned beside Griezmann at a recent media session.
Alvarez, who struck the frame of the goal twice during the 4-0 league stage loss to Arsenal in October, confirmed he is fully recovered, though they will lack dynamic midfielder Pablo Barrios due to injury.
Both sides have developed considerably since that encounter, Llorente observed.
The victory over Athletic could provide the uplifting momentum required to approach the Arsenal fixture with assurance and conviction.
Securing a win after a tough spell feels positive, noted Atleticos record scorer Griezmann, who plans to depart for MLS club Orlando City at summers end.
This Arsenal match holds great significance, we must stay composed and assured, aware of our potential...
I am savouring these final appearances here. I wish to present the fans with something extraordinary.
As Simeone pointed out, despite the toil and determination from his players, the ultimate present they must offer is a trophy.