Simeone: "We always compete in everything we play at and we're not going to change"
Diego Pablo Simeone confirmed at the press conference that Fernando Torres will be a starter against Real Madrid, as well as Oblak, who will also start as the goalkeeper.
Atlético's coach said in regards to Fernando Torres that, "he had been training with Milan and has played 10 league matches if I'm not mistaken. He's been training with us for several days. Tomorrow, he will start. Hopefully, he'll have a game according to what the team needs".
In regards to the signing, he made it clear that, "If I hadn’t seen him strong enough, we would not have had insisted to have him. We need his football characteristics within a group of different footballers. He will open up an attack in which there will be a lot of competition to play. Personally, I have great memories with him because I got along with him well when we met in the stage where I was finishing my career here. He was very young for everything that was happening to him. We all know everything that happened afterwards, what he did in Europe, and most of all, what he did with the national team. For this return, he comes at his prime, with 30 years of age, he has enthusiasm, hope, he’s loved where he’s come back to and has a sense of belonging. I'm very happy with his arrival because since I arrived three ago, I've been looking forward to this moment in Atlético de Madrid, possibly one of the best in its history, with a lot of people who have a sense of belonging for the Club. With a fan base that is extraordinary. The other day was exciting, with the 45,000 people. Hopefully, we can continue with that momentum and energy because football is energy. Since we arrived, we have been looking for a way to compete in everything we play at (friendlies, King's Cup, Champions, Super Cup, League...) and we will not change."
In respect to Real Madrid, Atlético’s coach said he, "sees Madrid very well. They played an intense match in Valencia. They come from winning the World Cup. I always expect a rival in accordance with the hierarchy of its players. They have a level that allowed them to play a lot of games undefeated. They have a tremendous coach and I expect a tough opponent."
About who will occupy the goalkeeping position in this fixture, he was emphatic in saying that, "Tomorrow, Oblak will play."
