Simeone Balances Friendship and Tactics Ahead of Sevilla Showdown with Almeyda

Atlético Madrid will host Sevilla at the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano this Saturday in a fixture that pits manager Diego Simeone against his friend and former teammate, Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Simeone addressed his team’s tactical flexibility following the return of Josema Giménez, emphasizing that formations are dictated by the flow of the game. “It’s not that we choose a back four, five, or six; the game can lead you to different formations depending on how the opposition plays,” he explained. Using the recent match against Betis as an example, Simeone noted how the team shifted between 4-3-3, 4-5-1, and 4-4-2. “You have to adapt,” he insisted. “There’s a snapshot of how you start, but then the systems vary depending on how the opposition moves.”

Simeone also provided updates on squad selection, confirming that Johnny Cardoso is in contention to start despite a lengthy absence. “He hasn’t played for over 40 days,” the coach noted. “He has recovered quite well, is progressing in training… and he is an option to start tomorrow.”

The manager highlighted Conor Gallagher’s qualities, considering him for the position left vacant by Pablo Barrios. “He’s one of the best players we have at pressing defensively, and he’s great at getting forward from the second line,” Simeone said, confirming Gallagher is in his thoughts for the starting lineup.

He reserved special praise for his counterpart, Almeyda, with whom he played for the Argentine national team and Lazio. “He’s a friend, someone I’m very fond of. I’m very happy that he’s come to Spanish football,” Simeone remarked. He lauded Almeyda’s coaching style, noting its intensity mirrors his own playing days. “His team plays like he did… with work, commitment, pressure. Sevilla are one of the teams in La Liga that presses best.”

Looking ahead to a demanding schedule that includes nine games across November and December, Simeone remained focused on the immediate challenge. “We’re thinking about tomorrow, a tough, difficult opponent… we’ll have to take the game to where we can hurt them.” When asked about his team’s league position relative to Real Madrid, he deflected, saying only, “I understand your question, but Sevilla.” He gave similarly concise answers regarding Julián Álvarez’s substitutions and Marcos Llorente’s durability, stressing that team needs come first and praising Llorente’s professionalism.



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