Simeone Prepares Atletico for Copa del Rey Final Against Real Sociedad
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone emphasized the importance of the mental aspect as his team gears up to face Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night. The match marks Atletico's first appearance in the final since 2013, a victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu that reshaped the club's mentality. Simeone reflected on his evolution as a coach, stating, "One always evolves; one is never the same." He acknowledged that while experience can play a role, the most challenging match occurs within the players' minds, asserting, "Those who manage it best during the game will come out on top." Following a euphoric qualification for the Champions League semi-finals after eliminating Barcelona, Simeone expressed confidence in his players' ability to handle the pressures of a final. He noted, "Both the Real Sociedad players and our team are incredibly excited and will give their all to win." The manager praised the growth of the club and extended gratitude to Atletico fans, stating, "Thank you for all the support I’ve received since I arrived in ’94." Simeone described the final as part of a broader process of growth, emphasizing continuity, humility, and hard work. He announced the return of Pablo Barrios from injury, adding that the squad is ready to face the challenges ahead. The fitness of David Hancko remains uncertain, while Johnny Cardoso is also in contention for a midfield spot alongside Koke Resurreccion and Marcos Llorente, who have been in excellent form.
Source: Football España - 2026-04-17