Simeone says Raphinha complicates Barça more than Lewandowski

Diego Simeone arrived at the press room before the league match between Atlético and Barça and, despite his limited willingness to talk, he highlighted that defending Barça with Raphinha as a nine is more complex than doing so with Lewandowski.

The Argentinian sat down, dispatched the questions trying to break a record of monosyllables and got up in a hurry to leave.

He only made one exception when he had to talk about Raphinha, whom he again showered with praise.

The Cholo has never hidden his admiration for the Brazilian footballer, whom he described as “out of this world”.

“He is an extraordinary player, who provides work, speed, goals and assists. Last season was incredible for me and this one, playing in another position, has also started brilliantly offering many tools to his team,” Simeone emphasized.

Raphinha, key piece against Barça

Regarding the clash against the blaugrana this Sunday, Atlético's coach placed great importance on Raphinha's presence.

“When Lewandowski played, he was a more positional player; now perhaps they have lost a reference point but Raphinha's mobility makes defending this Barça more complex. But I don’t think they have changed the playing pattern,” he admitted.

Beyond the Brazilian figure, Simeone's presence left few notable things and very short answers.

“We will try to play the match we want, we will take it to the place where we believe we can hurt them,” he insisted.

He also did not want to elaborate on the emotional state of Julián Álvarez, who faces Barça after the drama of last summer in which the Argentinian had almost a foot and a half at Camp Nou.

“He is very well, very well,” he simply described.