Simeone demands spirited Atletico showing against ´one of the best teams in the world´ Man Utd

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone called for his side to produce a spirited performance against “one of the best teams in the world” Manchester United.

United head into the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday having lost just one of their 14 Premier League games since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as manager in November.

By contrast, Simeone’s men – who have home advantage this week – have somewhat struggled in their LaLiga title defence this season.

However, Atletico secured a 3-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday, and Simeone wants to see another battling showing against United, who he believes have transformed since Ralf Rangnick’s appointment in place of Solskjaer on an interim basis.

“We are facing one of the best teams in the world. In the last 14 games, they have only lost one,” Simeone told reporters at Tuesday’s pre-match news conference. 

“Since the arrival of the new coach, he has given them solidity, teamwork, commitment and shows how Manchester United always was.

“The new coach has made his mark, because you can see it is an intense, dynamic, courageous team with very good individuals. 

“The game will be tough, difficult, like all Champions League games, but we have the hope of being in our stadium and with our supporters.”

He added: “The other day there was a great spirit in the team, you could see it. Hopefully it will be there again against Manchester United because then we will be able to compete better.”

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