Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Tuesday, November 25, 2025 22:21 / Updated Tuesday, November 25, 2025 22:22
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone (55) has shared his expectations ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Cristi Chivu's Inter in Group 5 at 10pm.
He praised the opposition for their performances from the start of the season and admitted that he anticipates a difficult game. The Argentinian, who also wore the Nerazzurri shirt in his playing career, admitted that he is thinking about the possibility of one day taking over Inter's technical bench.
“Inter play very well, they have character and a very clear attacking model. They have an exceptional team. They dominated the whole match against Milan, they had chances to score and they could have won. Of course, they played to win. In the Champions League, their numbers speak for themselves.
For a team like Inter, losing the derby means immediately putting that result behind you and moving on, because they are a very strong team, favorites to win the Scudetto and will go far in the Champions League.
Every match is important for us, regardless of the opponent. We are in an upward phase of the season. We need to improve in certain areas, but we are aware of this and we are working on this aspect”, began Simeone, quoted by sportal.bg.
Simeone dreams of coaching Inter one day
“Our fans can help us tomorrow, they are decisive in home games with their incredible support and passion. We want them to give their best, just like we will do on the pitch,” added the coach.
This match is a replay of the Champions League Round of 16 encounter from March 2024, when Inter won 1-0 at the 'San Siro' and lost 1-2 in Madrid before being eliminated on penalties.
“Some players were there two years ago as well, but every game is different. They changed the coach and a few other things. Inter is a great team, which I like a lot, so we have to pay attention to their potential and give our best. It's not easy to explain everything you see every day, so I won't come here to tell you how Chivu changed Inter,” added the Argentine.
Simeone has some concerns about the condition of his players, as goalkeeper Jan Oblak and his son Giuliano Simeone are uncertain for the match.
Finally, he admitted that one day he could take over at Inter: “I don't know, but yes, I see myself coaching Inter one day, along the way.”
Champions League group standings
