Simeone: This is Julián Alvarez's situation, and the derby is a special encounter

Atlético manager Diego Simeone spoke at a press conference about tomorrow's clash against Real Madrid in the seventh round of La Liga, at the Al Riyadh Metropolitano Stadium.

Simeone stated that facing Real Madrid in the capital derby will be completely different from the previous match: "The previous match has nothing to do with the city derby. I don't think it is related to Sunday's match. There are two teams with good players, and we need to take the game to a place where we can hurt them."

He added about Julián Alvarez's condition: "He will be with us. We will decide whether he starts from the beginning or comes on in the second half."

He continued: "The characteristics of each team. They will have a better transition than us, and more vertical... They are strong players, they have power and play this way. We have to explain the match in the best possible way so that losing the ball does not make their players more comfortable in the very quick transitions they have."

Simeone praised Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, expressing his great respect for him. He said: "It doesn't help me to talk about many years ago. I have a lot of respect for Mourinho, and I admire him. He knows how much I appreciate him. I hope we can compete as we did when we faced each other."

He also spoke about Grimaldo, explaining that the player needs time to adapt, adding: "It is natural for his adaptation to be gradual. He has already taken responsibility against Real Sociedad, converted the penalty, and then provided the assist... We need to help him on the defensive side and for him to raise his effort to achieve a balance between his attacking talent and the defensive aspect. We have to help him, and he has to help us."

Atlético's coach touched on the new players and the pressure associated with such matches, saying: "I am not the type to give advice. It is natural for there to be pressure on new players because of the excitement that a match like this generates, and calmness. Calmness. Football needs calmness. These players have the talent. And there is one word that sums it all up: confidence."

Speaking about Ademola Lookman, Simeone said: "He is the kind of player we don't have, and he is the most capable of making a difference in individual matchups, and we need him. His attacking potential has helped us a lot since he arrived. His start isn't what I hoped for, but he will show up because he has different qualities."

Simeone highlighted the atmosphere surrounding the derby in the Spanish capital, saying: "The city is experiencing an amazing week. I participated in the Formula 1 race, and I also went to see Shakira. And now there is a derby. Madrid is growing. There is a really great energy."

Regarding the competition in midfield, he added: "This gives us competition in midfield with Koko, Holmund, and Cardoso... each of them has different characteristics. We hope to make the right choice."

The coach concluded that the match carries special considerations, stating: "The derby is different. There is immense tension and excitement due to the competition, and because of the competitiveness that we have managed to regain over the last fifteen years. Confidence is an important value in this match."