"Atlético are one of the top sides in Europe and the best team in the group without denigrating the other clubs. They have developed impressively in recent years and achieved incredible success on the national and European stages," said Gerardo Seoane in describing the forthcoming opponents who were able to beat the Portuguese champions Porto in a 2-1 win in the opening group match.
Seoane: "Atlético always pose a threat"
The Madrid side are difficult to play against and they arrive with a "very complete squad," said the Swiss coach. And he added: "Atlético have two high-quality players for every position." Therefore training this week not only focused on the starting eleven but also on players coming off the bench. Seoane praised the high quality of the attack as well as the compact and aggressive defending of the team led by Atlético head coach Diego Simeone. He believes the Spaniards "always pose a threat."
In contrast to the 1-0 defeat at Club Brugge and the 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin there will be a need to "be more resolute in both penalty areas," said Seoane. In addition to more consistency in attack there was also the requirement for resolute challenges in defence. The Swiss coach primarily sees two points as crucial: "They will try to involve us in lots of challenges as that's part of their style of play. So we have to remain patient and make use of the few chances that will come to us." Above all, that needs a fast passing game and the ability to switch sides to "bring the attacking players into the right positions," declared the 43-year-old boss.
Hincapie: "get through it together"
Defender Piero Hincapie showed he is also highly motivated ahead of his first Champions League match on home turf: "We want to produce a great game for our fans. The Champions League presents us with extra motivation and we want to show that on the pitch." Hincapie added: "We are going through a difficult time at the moment as a team and as a club. But we’re working on it together every day and we've prepared well."
