Champions Quarterfinal Schedule
The sky of Manchester promises not to let up until the weekend.
Normal in a city that saw Atlético parade with energy just three weeks ago.
He did it at Old Trafford, at the opposite end of the Etihad Stadium.
The rain, sometimes thin, other times thick, will be a constant these days when the rojiblancos play the first round of the quarterfinals.
No other idea passes through Simeone's mind other than risking fate at the Metropolitano, before his people.
Paradoxically, the state where this season has not won any Champions League match.
Although statistics are usually cannon fodder.
At around 12.00 British, Pep Guardiola, who is riding his sixth season in charge of Manchester City, appeared in the press room of the City Football Academy.
He did it three hours before the official team training.
He did it, too, to come out in defense of Atlético's style, which has little to do with his.
A staging criticized both Liverpool, from the mouth of
Jurgen Klopp
, and, recently, United.
"I'm not going to spend a minute talking about that stupid debate," said the Spanish coach.
"We're all looking for a way to win. If he can do it, his will be the right one, and if I can do it, I'll be right. I don't know what playing ugly is. I don't judge opponents."
Pep and Simeone have known each other for years.
The Argentine coach has already visited Barcelona, before directing Atlético, before making the leap from Argentina, to see Guardiola's method live.
He said that was not with him.
"There is an incorrect conception of how Atlético plays. They are more offensive than people think. They don't take many risks when it comes to getting the ball out, but when they come to our field, they will show the quality that their players have," he defended. the
citizen
coach
"I did not invent this"
Both technicians have only seen each other once in Europe.
They did it in 2016, when Guardiola directed Bayern.
Between sweats, after emerging unscathed from that formidable siege of
Munich
,
Cholo
won the tie.
"Atletico are the league champions with the most champions in this competition in recent years. I love their consistency. They are a team that has beaten the Spanish league dominators, Barcelona and Real Madrid, twice in recent years They have fought for it. It is a team that has the ability to deny you who you are."
On Tuesday, at around 8:00 p.m. in England, words will become deeds on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City, finalist of the last Champions League and leader of the Premier, although with a single point over Liverpool, will try to show off their power against a rival, Atlético, who left their depression behind.
He will do it with the unmistakable stamp that Guardiola has given him in these six years.
"I have not invented football. What I do has been done since the beginning of football. I am a great coach, but I have not invented this. When I win I am a visionary and when I lose it is said 'What does that guy think! I I don't score goals or save penalties. The game belongs to the players."
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