Simeone sees himself as future Inter coach
Diego Simeone says he has imagined himself as Inter Milan's head coach as Atletico Madrid prepares to face the Serie A giant at San Siro in the UEFA Champions League.
Atletico sits 17th on the league table, having won two and lost two of its matches so far, but it faces off against Inter, which is one of three teams with a 100 per cent record so far.
Simeone spent two years at Inter as a player, making 84 appearances in all competitions and winning the UEFA Cup with the club in 1997-1998.
"It doesn't depend on me, but in my coaching career, I imagine a time on the Inter bench," Simeone said.
He was also full of praise for his opposite number, Cristian Chivu, and tipped Inter to get its hands back on the Scudetto this season, despite its loss to AC Milan on Monday (AEDT).
"Inter play very well, they have character and a very clear attacking pattern," Simeone said.
"They have an incredible squad. They dominated the entire match against Milan, had scoring opportunities and could've won. They certainly played to win.
"As for in the Champions League, their numbers speak for themselves.
"For a team like Inter, losing the derby means putting it behind you straight away and moving on, because this is a very strong side, the favourites to win the Scudetto, and will go far in the Champions League too.
"Every match is important for us, regardless of the opponent. We are in the ascendant phase of our campaign. We've got to improve in various areas, but we are aware of that and working on it.
"Our fans can help us; they are crucial for the home games with support and incredible passion. We want them to give their all, just as we will on the pitch."
This will be just the fourth meeting between Atletico and Inter in all competitions – they previously met in the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, with Simeone's side progressing on penalties.
Atletico has won 11 of its past 12 home games in the competition, losing the other, with no team picking up more home wins in the competition since the 2023-2024 campaign.
