Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has highlighted the pace of teams in the Premier League ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking on Monday before Tuesday’s match at the Metropolitano Stadium, Simeone said English clubs play at a noticeably faster tempo compared with teams in other European leagues.
Despite struggling domestically and being dragged into a relegation battle, Tottenham finished fourth in the league phase of the Champions League this season.
English clubs dominated the standings, with five finishing in the top eight and six reaching the last 16. Spain had the next highest representation with three teams.
“(English teams) have a faster pace. I don’t know why, I can’t quite put my finger on it,” Simeone told reporters.
“Some say the referees let the game flow more. I don’t know if it’s the tactics or the pre-game preparation, but it’s 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… it’s the fastest league.”
However, the Argentine coach stressed that intensity alone would not determine the outcome of the encounter, adding that technical quality would also be crucial.
Simeone also dismissed suggestions that Atlético were favourites heading into the match, even though the Tottenham side managed by Igor Tudor have lost their last five games.
“When you step onto the pitch, you don’t remember where you are in the standings or what moment you’re in,” Simeone said.
“The players want to win, to play well. I don’t know anyone who thinks about their league position when they’re about to have a shot.”
The match will also see Atlético face a familiar figure in midfielder Conor Gallagher, who joined Tottenham in January after spending a season and a half with the Spanish club.
“He’s a young man who worked with us with great humility and who arriving from midfield is very dangerous,” Simeone said.
“He behaved very well here, and we have very fond memories of his time at Atlético.” (AFP)