Simeone takes pressure off – ‘High turnover means we’re evolving’

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has paid little attention to the differing states of form between his side and Real Madrid leading into the Madrid derby. The last three clashes at the Metropolitano have finished 1-1 between them, but Los Blancos go into it as heavy favourites.

Simeone was at pains to emphasize that he was not paying attention to form or the La Liga table ahead of the derby, despite being asked on several occasions. Like Alonso earlier, he emphasized that the previous encounters would play little part in this one.

“I live in the present. Madrid have grown in their collective play. The coach is working hard to press higher up the field, and that’s why they’ve won every game,” he told Marca.

“I’m not the most suitable person, I don’t think coaches are decisive, the most valuable thing is the players and they are the ones who make the difference,” he responded when asked if the managers would be decisive.

‘We’re in the process of evolving’ – Simeone

With Rayo Vallecano taking the lead with 13 minutes to go against Atletico, some had wondered if Simeone could come under real pressure for his job. However Simeone pointed to the high turnover of players at the club over the last two summers, and said they would need time to gel.

“We have eight new players, compared to seven from last season. We’re in the process of trying to make a better team, and we’re on the path to evolving.”

Alex Baena to start and where will David Hancko play?

One of those new signings, Alex Baena, was back on the bench on Wednesday night, having recovered from surgery to deal with apendicitis. Simeone did not rule out that he could start.

“He’s going to have to start some game, I don’t know if this one, the Celta match, or the Champions League match. It will depend on what we need. He has great vision, and hopefully when it’s his time, he’ll do his best.”

🚨 Question: “What do you think of Vinicius’ role this season at Real Madrid?”

Diego Simeone: “That’s not a question for me.” pic.twitter.com/nZ3pSVQNsN

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 26, 2025

Another of the selection questions is whether David Hancko will play at centre-back or left-back, having alternated between the two of late.

“He can participate in both game situations. I haven’t finalised the team yet. We’ll have to see how the guys are doing.”

‘I don’t think Julian Alvarez is relieved’ – Diego Simeone

Against Rayo, Julian Alvarez came to the rescue with a brilliant hat-trick to win the match.

“Julian looks committed to me, his teammates love him very much, and I hope that with their help he can have a great match.”

“I don’t see it that way,” he said when asked if Alvarez’s goals were a weight off his back. “His first goal last year was in the fifth game and he ended up scoring 18 in La Liga. He’s extraordinary, he’s the best we have and we’ll continue to look after him so he can give his all.”

Alonso spoke to the press before Simeone on Friday afternoon, and warned his side against complacency against Atletico, having won all of their games so far. Just as Baena is back for Atletico, one of the question marks for Los Blancos is whether Jude Bellingham will start, although he does have 20 minutes under his belt off the bench in their last two games.