Speaking at a press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s LaLiga fixture with Alaves on Saturday, Diego Simeone reacted to drawing Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals.

Highlighting the need to beat the top teams to win trophies, Simeone said that facing Barcelona is a normal thing in the competition.

“If you want to be champions you have to beat Real Madrid or PSG Fußballtrikot Barcelona, it’s just normal,” said the coach.

“It’s routine to have to face the top teams, it’s part of the road to the title.”

Los Rojiblancos face Alaves on Saturday in their next LaLiga installment, but Simeone says he is not underestimating coach Mauricio Pelligrino, who he believes has been key to their success.

“You have to understand the coach’s value added to the team and the role he took to form their first team,” said the Argentinian.

“He has been organised in bringing in players, but they have competed as well. They work very well tactically.”

Theo Hernandez, Atletico Madrid loanee, will likely face his parent club during the clash, and Simeone praised the youngster for his progression.

“Theo has grown accordingly with Valencia Fußballtrikot what he had already shown when he came to train with us,” said the 46-year-old. “Power, physical strength, changing pace from midfield looking forward. We are happy about what is happening to him.”

There was no word on how Atletico might set up on Saturday, but the Argentinian coach said his side “will always compete with the same intensity, across all competitions.”

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