Simeone ignores Ronaldo; identifies Casemiro as Real Madrid's key man in Champions League final

Simeone Casemiro Ronaldo Madrid Champions League Final
The Atletico Madrid manager identified Casemiro as Real Madrid’s key man

Diego Simeone has identified Real Madrid anchorman Casemiro as Los Blancos’ key player ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League final against their rivals. Simeone, who was a combative central midfielder himself, praised the Brazilian’s qualities, ignoring the likes of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema while extolling the virtues of continuity at the Rojiblancos.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Simeone was asked if Casemiro was important to Madrid and replied in the affirmative, saying “For the balance of Real Madrid, yes, certainly. It's going to be a very tense, balanced game. The presence of Casemiro gives them the possibility of regrouping better if they lose the ball.

“Casemiro makes Madrid very dangerous on the counter-attack. If you give them space they're very dangerous.”

The Brazilian midfielder has been a mainstay of the Real Madrid side under Zinedine Zidane, having famously been left out of the side by Rafa Benitez in Los Blancos infamous 4-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona in El Clasico.

Also Read: 5 quotes which prove Diego Simeone is the most inspirational manager

Simeone concentrates on continuity at Atletico

Given his exploits with an unfancied side having spent in relatively little in comparison to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Simeone has been the subject of interest by multiple clubs. However, the Argentinian has rebuffed all advances in favour of continuing his work at Atletico.

Crediting the ethos of Atletico for a chance to win the UEFA Champions League, Simeone said “The club, the players, it's reinventing itself continuously - that's what's most valuable in this club. Everyone works with the idea of continuing to grow, you try and try again and if you continue you eventually get what you want.”

“To play a final is fantastic, to win it... there is nothing better. It makes you continue to prepare yourself for these moments. Not change the structure or the identity, but repeat, repeat, repeat and you can achieve things. I think the continuity in the successes the club has had positions you a lot better as one of the best clubs in Europe.”

Simeone acknowledged that his style of football is perhaps the reason for Atletico’s success, saying “Few teams are better - perhaps Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid - but there's an idea about how we work and that's what allows us to be in this privileged position. The only way of maintaining that is by winning.”

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Edited by Staff Editor