Atletico Madrid are under no illusions that they face a huge force in the derby on Sunday, Diego Simeone labelling Real Madrid's squad as the best in the world.
Los Merengues may be behind their neighbours in the LaLiga table but the Atleti boss knows his side's limitations ahead of the trip to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
"On paper we have a squad that you have all seen; we are who we are," stated the Argentine in his pre-game press conference. "We will try to win based on our collective work in an important match.
"I don't know if Madrid have the best team in the world, but they do have the best squad, absolutely.
"They have done a great job as a club. Better than Paris Saint-Germain, better than Manchester City, better than Barcelona. That is the strength they have as a team."
Injuries are rife in Los Colchoneros' squad as the business end of the season kicks into gear but Simeone is content so long as those fit to play are fully committed to the cause.
"It always depends on how the players feel," he said.
"Now with Filipe Luis' injury we are still at 16, 18 with the goalkeepers, but if they are aligned, committed, involved and with a sense of belonging then give me 17.
"I don't want 25 who don't want to be here."
Giving his take on Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder goal versus Juventus in midweek, the Atletico coach compared the winger's contribution against Antoine Griezmann's for his side.
"I thought the same as any fan: incredible," admitted Simeone. "Golazo.
"[Ronaldo and Griezmann] are the two total determiners for each team. We see that by their goals and in their game.
"It isn't difficult [to see], because the numbers alone do their talking."
Reviewed by Emmy
on
April 07, 2018
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