‘I’m a wonderful person’ – Simeone on Tottenham defender linked with Atletico
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has told his team to play to win against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, as his side look to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at Tottenham Stadium. He also had kind words for Spurs defender Cristian Romero, who Atletico have been linked with in the past.
Los Rojiblancos have a three-goal advantage over Tottenham from the first leg, after winning 5-2 last week in Madrid. However, Simeone told Marca that it is up to his team to play the game in front of them, rather than clinging to three goals. Atletico found themselves in danger in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona after a 4-0 home win.
“We need to play the game where it’s at. There’s a three-goal difference; we need to win, and the best way to do that is to score first and put them in an uncomfortable position.”
Marcos Llorente’s form against English teams
One of the goalscorers in the first leg was midfielder Marcos Llorente, who has a good record against English teams. Five of his nine Champions League goals for Atletico Madrid have come against Premier League sides.
“He is important in all games, not only when we play against English teams.
🇦🇷🔴⚪️ Diego Simeone: “The rivalry of Atlético Madrid? Our truth is in our minds. And we are the creators of that truth.” pic.twitter.com/8aZspRrHXU
– Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 17, 2026
‘I’m a fan of Cristian Romero’ – Simeone
Last summer before David Hancko was signed, Atletico Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Romero, who admitted a desire to play in La Liga. Julian Alvarez has also revealed that he has had discussions about Romero joining the club, and there has been a suggestion that he could leave Spurs this summer.
“As a fan of Argentina, I appreciate his personality, his style of play, his defensive work, and certainly, as a fan who has seen more games with the national team than at Tottenham, I clearly respect him.”
Johnny Cardoso: ‘The Barcelona game can help us’
Another midfielder who is playing well right now is Johnny Cardoso of the USMNT. He became a regular in 2026, and started playing his best football of the season.
“In the beginning it was difficult, but now I feel good, I am contributing, but I am able to improve,” Cardoso told the media.
Regarding their 3-0 defeat in the second leg of the Copa against Barcelona, Cardoso felt that instead of raising concerns about their ability to hold on to advantage, it would help them manage the game.
“It will help us to know what mistakes we should not make and what can be improved. We don’t play to gain, we are very strong and they are the opponents we conceded a few goals here.”
Los Rojiblancos are heavy favorites to overcome against Spurs, where they will meet Barcelona or Newcastle United in the quarter-finals.
