Atletico coach Simeone gives team update ahead of Real clash

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has given the update on his team before the mouth-watering clash against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup finals on Wednesday in Estonia.

Atletico Madrid signed few players this summer to strengthen the squad the likes of Thomas Lemar, Rodri Hernandez and Gelson Martins have joined the team.

Simeone is aware of the expectations of the fans and he is ready to improve on the previous meeting against Real Madrid that saw them lose two Champions League finals to Los Blancos in recent times.

El Cholo discussed the summer signings and admitted there is some pressure to do well.

"Yes I think it is clear [that there is more expectation]," he said at his pre-UEFA Super Cup press conference.

"It is a clear line in moving forward.

"We have to improve on what we have done in previous seasons, and a lot will be demanded.

"We have to fine tune the team with the new players and keep working on the team to make it more solid.

"We have new people in the dressing room, as important players left, so we have to manage the dressing room and when it is more robust, things will come together.
"I don't like to refer to budgets in football, we don't have the same budget as Real Madrid.

"We have as many dreams as anyone else.

"We will try and do our best, and go as far as we can this season."

As well as discussing the new arrivals, he also reflected on the players who have decided to stay.

"Players want to come and play at Atleti and young players don't want to leave, and they are growing along with the club and the team," he said.

"We are working collectively, the club, staff and players, so we can be more competitive.

"Footballers are mainly interested in winning, and improving, and this is why they are keen to join us and stay."

Griezmann is one of those players and Simeone was asked if the No.7 can win the Ballon d'Or.

"That will be a decision taken by experts, but he is well placed to get the award," he said.

Discussing Griezmann's national team and World Cup winners France, comparisons were made between Atletico and Les Bleus.

"No one has the truth in football, you can win in different ways," Simeone stated.

"France are similar to Atletico, but not the same.

"We all compete to play the best football, and good footballers come to us, which gives us individual skill, but you also need collective hard work, and without thatwe cannot improve and move forward.

"We have a clear idea, with a good structure and more talented players which will help us improve in the future."

Of course, Wednesday's opponents Real Madrid were mentioned too and Simeone was asked about new boss Julen Lopetegui.

"They [Real Madrid] have had to deal with what we have had to deal with," the Argentine told reporters.

"They have had more players available and a bit more time.

"We might see a few references in their last games as to what will happen tomorrow.

"They put teams under some pressure when they lose the ball, and they look to position themselves further up the park which Lopetegui did with Spain, and he may do with Real Madrid.

"The most important thing for a final like tomorrow's is emotion, and I think emotionally is where we can resolve the match."

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo was also brought up, but the Atleti coach didn't discuss the new Juventus man, saying that this was a topic for Lopetegui, He told Marca.