Atlético de Madrid is a team that never leaves anyone indifferent. Its playing style, competitive mentality, and ability to solve matches in any context have made it a feared and respected rival in European soccer. That perception is not only held by fans or experts but also by the coaches who face Simeone's team. Claudio Giráldez, Celta de Vigo's coach, made this clear in the press conference before his team's match against the red-and-whites.
A Rival "With an Impressive Mental Strength"
Giráldez did not hold back in his praise when speaking about Atlético de Madrid, highlighting an aspect that sets it apart from many other teams: its winning mentality. "They have a mental strength to win any match, whether they are dominating it or not, whether they are near the goal or far, whether they have possession or not," stated the Celta coach.
For the Galician coach, Atlético's success lies not only in its quality but in its ability to compete in any scenario. "It is a very complete team, with many resources from the strategies to the heights at which it can play."
This characteristic has allowed Simeone's team to remain in the elite for more than a decade, winning national and international titles and establishing itself as one of the most difficult teams to overcome in Europe.
The Difficulty of Facing Atlético de Madrid
The Celta coach is aware of the challenge of playing at the Cívitas Metropolitano and facing an Atlético that is in top form. "We are going to a challenging field against a rival that is having a spectacular season, in a very good moment of form," he explained.
Giráldez recalled the first leg, in which his team was close to achieving a positive result against the colchoneros. "The first leg gives us the feeling that we can compete with them and we can beat them," he stated, although he acknowledged that against teams like Atlético, a single mistake can be very costly. "If you make a mistake once, teams of this caliber make you pay for it."
The Simeone Factor and the Power of the Squad
Beyond the mental aspect, Giráldez also highlighted the figure of Simeone, who has managed to instill a spirit of fight and competitiveness. "Due to the competitiveness that Cholo always gives them, they convey the feeling that no matter what happens, they can be comfortable in the match," he explained.
He also emphasized the power of the red-and-white squad, which has high-quality players capable of resolving matches in a single play. "Individually, they have offensive players who can solve a match at any moment," he added.