Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that one of Atletico Madrid’s stars used to keep him up at night, ahead of their clash in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Anfield (21:00 CEST). Los Rojiblancos face an uphill task against the heavily favoured Reds, with a number of injuries to contend with, but Diego Simeone was keen to emphasize the fact that it would be XI players against XI players.
The last time the two met is remembered fondly at the Metropolitano, with Atletico knocking Liverpool out after extra time, following two extra time goals from Marcos Llorente. Meanwhile Arne Slot has had his own struggles against Atletico,
Slot had ‘nightmares’ over Antoine Griezmann
Slot confirmed that while star signing Alexander Isak could play from the start, he would not play the whole match, explaining that his biggest challenge was getting back up to speed after four months without serious work. Regarding Atletico, Slot had the highest of praise for both Los Rojiblancos and Griezmann.
“When I was at Feyenoord, I knew that from Sunday to Wednesday there were two steps [up] unless we faced Ajax. In the Champions League, it’s the same level or even higher. Atletico Madrid, under Simeone, has won two league titles and played in two Champions League finals. It’s very difficult to face them because of the mentality and qualities of their players,” he told Marca.
“When I was at Feyenoord, I had nightmares about how good Griezmann was back then. I think he scored three goals against us. The good thing is that now I have players who can do what Griezmann did that night.”
Diego Simeone: ‘It’s XI against XI’
His opposite number named Liverpool’s fast breaks and their wingers, who did not need much to get the ball in the box as the greatest strengths of Slot’s side. However in Madrid, much of the discourse has centred around the absences through injury, with Julian Alvarez, Johnny Cardoso, Alex Baena and Thiago Almada all to miss out through injury, and David Hancko a major doubt.
“Looking on the bright side, it’s always healthy to face an opponent like this, with a great stadium and fans, a coach who led them to compete in La Liga and the Champions League. They’ll be a very tough opponent. We’ll try to hurt them and take the game where it suits us best.”
🇸🇮✨ Tonight will be Jan Oblak’s 500th appearance for Atlético Madrid.
Hopefully it will be a special one! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cVxceouO0y
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 17, 2025
“They’re never good, due to different situations, but it’s part of football. We’re focused on those who are going to start and on them showing what they have.”
“We’re playing eleven against eleven. The absences are there, and they may have more options in the second half, but when the game starts, it’s eleven against eleven. I’m only thinking about playing a great game. I’m looking at the goal of improving and growing as a team, being decisive in the opponent’s box against a fantastic opponent and a stadium I love.”
