Premier League teams are faster: Atletico's Simeone on Spurs clash

Diego Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid, emphasised the rapid tempo adopted by Premier League clubs on Monday, just before their Champions League round of 16 showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.

Although entangled in a struggle to avoid relegation in Englands top division, Spurs secured fourth position in the group stage of Europes elite club tournament.

Five clubs from England claimed places in the top eight, with six progressing to the knockout rounds, outpacing Spain with its three representatives, the subsequent highest national tally.

"(English teams) have a faster pace. I dont know why, I cant quite put my finger on it," Simeone remarked to journalists prior to Tuesdays fixture at the Metropolitano stadium.

"Some say the referees let the game flow more, I dont know if its the tactics or the pre-game preparation, but its true that the speed is faster.

"When you watch it on television, you can see that the speed is faster than in Spain, Italy, Germany... its the fastest league."

Nonetheless, Simeone indicated that "technical quality" would influence the result, adding that Tottenham could not prevail "just by intensity".

The coach from Argentina rejected the notion that Atletico held favourite status entering the contest, despite Igor Tudors team enduring five consecutive defeats.

"When you step onto the pitch, you dont remember where you are in the standings or what moment youre in," Simeone went on.

"The players want to win, to play well, I dont know anyone who thinks about their league position when theyre about to have a shot."

Atletico face a known quantity in midfielder Conor Gallagher, who moved to Spurs in January following one and a half seasons in the Spanish capital.

"Hes a young man who worked with us with great humility and who arriving from midfield is very dangerous," Simeone commented.

"He behaved very well (here), and we have very fond memories of his time at Atletico."