Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone reacts through the La Liga match in opposition to Actual Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid on February 8. PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON:
Atletico Madrid supervisor Diego Simeone mentioned he’s a “huge fan” of Cristian Romero as he defended the under-fire Tottenham captain forward of Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg conflict.
Simeone was linked with a transfer for Romero final 12 months, however the Argentine centre-back ultimately signed a brand new contract holding him at Tottenham till 2029.
Regardless of the brand new deal, Romero has been a lightning rod for controversy this season.
He has been despatched off twice, sparking criticism of his lack of self-discipline, and in addition made pointed feedback in regards to the membership’s hierarchy on social media.
Simeone was requested about Romero in a press convention forward of the Champions League tie in north London and launched a staunch defence of his fellow Argentine.
“I communicate from a standpoint as an Argentina fan. I like his character, his character, his defensive work and his soccer capacity on the ball,” Simeone advised reporters on Tuesday.
“As a fan of Argentina, I’ve seen him play extra video games for the nationwide staff than I’ve for Spurs, however I am an enormous fan of him, for positive.”
Romero’s anticipated availability to face Atletico is a lift for troubled Tottenham, who’re set to be with out a minimum of 11 gamers for the second leg.
Atletico have been agency favourites to undergo to the quarter-finals after thrashing Tottenham 5-2 in Madrid final week.
That was the nadir of a depressing marketing campaign for Tottenham, who’re only one level above the Premier League relegation zone as they combat to keep away from taking part in within the second tier for the primary time since 1977-78.
Tottenham, who rescued a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, are extra centered on survival than progressing within the Champions League.
However Simeone warned his staff to not underestimate Igor Tudor’s males on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“We need to take the sport within the path we need to tomorrow,” he mentioned.
“We may have our normal depth that we had at dwelling, we need to begin on the entrance foot however Tottenham will need to begin on the entrance foot and placed on a present for his or her followers as effectively.”
