Simeone began by stating that "the tie is 50-50. Athletic are a major rival, a team that has been playing together a long time have grown a lot. They are a dangerous team with good ball movement, it will be an interesting game." As for the home advantage ¨he said that they "will feel very comfortable playing in the Nuevo San Mames and try to go back with options."

Our coach said that "we have to play with intelligence, looking where we can hurt the, and trying to have the intensity that the team needs. I hope we have a good match because we'll need to."

Regarding the physical level of the players, Simeone outlined that "the team is fine. They are all available apart from Tiago and Mario are on their way back. It is normal that when there is a positive result, it does not appear in the press that players are tired, but we know that we are well and hopefully tomorrow we can prove it."

On the evolution of Óliver Torres, his coach is very clear. "The best way he can grow is by being in a team that is tp of the league and in the second round of the Champions League. He played five games as a starter and he’s 19 years old. We are happy with him and hopefully he will continue to grow and can give us important things in these remaining months."

Finally, Simeone said that "the team is the most important to our group. Without the overall work we would be able to keep away the attackers from Courtois and we would not make it to Diego Costa. We are very happy with both, they are very important to us, but the team is first" he concluded.