Diego Simeone makes fantastic claim about Celtic

A lot of people might not be fans of Diego Simeone but there is no denying that he is one of the elite managers in the game today. He has been the Atletico Madrid boss since 2011 and consistently produced results there. How many others can we say that about in the modern game? Not many for sure. His team will be taking on Celtic in midweek.

Atletico Madrid look capable of challenging for silverware this season as well. But when they visited Celtic Park, all they could manage was a 2-2 draw.

In fact, the Hoops perhaps should have won on the night. They took the lead twice and finished the game a man up.

The reverse fixture is set to be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in midweek and it goes without saying that most people would be viewing Atletico Madrid as heavy favourites going into the match. But Simeone has made it clear that he has full respect for Celtic and is expecting a difficult game.

Simeone makes fantastic claim about Celtic

As reported by the Daily Record, Simeone said while talking about Celtic:

"“I can’t imagine any other way. I think they will play exactly the same way. They played just like that against Feyenoord, Lazio and us. That’s their style and I expect nothing else but them coming out the same way. We know our rival starts games really well, so we will try to do that ourselves. Fortunately we are at home in front of our own fans and I am sure their support will give us an extra push.“The opponent plays a real high press and they didn’t really allow us time to think. We need to be able to play around that. Despite our poor start at Celtic Park, we didn’t play badly in the first half and we improved in the second half. We got the goal and could have got another one, but after the red card, it was just about not losing. We know it’s going to be a very, very difficult game. There is equal respect between Atletico and Celtic. It’s a team I have respected since I sat down to talk about them. They play a style of football I really like, so I have full respect for Celtic.”"

It is a high-pressure game for Celtic for sure. If they end up losing, it will virtually end their hopes of making it out of the group and finishing third will also look like a huge mountain to climb, if it is not already.

On the other hand, a win or even a draw would be seen as a great result for the Hoops. Of course, getting a result away in the Spanish capital against Atletico Madrid is easier said than done. Brendan Rodgers’ side will have to be at their very best if that is to be a possibility.

Celtic are no strangers to producing some magical nights in Europe though. The fans will be hoping for them to pull a rabbit out of the hat at the Metropolitano Stadium.