Atletico boss Simeone admits admiration for Real Madrid ahead of derby

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone revealed his admiration for city rivals Real Madrid ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga derby.

Madrid welcome neighbours and LaLiga leaders Atletico to Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, with Simeone’s men holding a one-point advantage over Real Sociedad atop the table.

Defending champions Madrid are six points off the pace and while Atletico have only lost one of their last eight derbies in LaLiga, keeping seven clean sheets, Simeone is wary of an experienced Los Blancos side.

“It is a nice game where there are fantastic football players in both teams. Real Madrid has been competing at the highest level for many years,” Simeone told reporters.

“As I said yesterday [Thursday], I feel admiration for our opponent and the players they have. They are maintaining a great level despite the amount of time they have been on top. Some of them they are 33, 34 or 35 and they are still young in their minds.

“That’s the most important thing. And this is something to admire, even if it is an historic rival for us.

“We are keeping our way, leading the game in the areas where we can hurt them. And there, we will be playing a game which surely will be beautiful.”

The Madrid Derby is played in the homes of the Atleti fans around the