Simeone wary of Athletic threat

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned his side of Athletic Bilbao’s threat ahead of their Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg.

Simeone’s charges take a one-goal lead to San Mames Stadium thanks to Diego Godin’s goal last Thursday.

With the tie finely poised, Simeone expects Bilbao to start positively but claims he does not have a special plan as his side seek to secure a place in the last four.

“They (Bilbao) will be looking to start the game with a lot of intensity and then we’ll have to respond, because they will be more confident,” said Simeone.

“The game will be evenly matched and tight. We don’t have a formula as such for the game; we have a certain playing philosophy and we’re not going to change it.”

Simeone guided Atletico to the Copa Del Rey title last season, clinching the trophy with victory over local rivals Real Madrid.

The former Argentina midfielder believes striker David Villa, once of Barcelona, can help his team-mates adopt the right attitude to defend their crown.

“He’s used to playing to win and that’s good for the team,” Simeone added.

“He is doing what we expected of him and we hope he can keep doing that. His numbers are more impressive with every game.”