"We got off to a bad start in the group. We shouldn't have lost against Moscow. We did better in Turin but left empty-handed," said the head coach. "Now we have to take a lot of risks tomorrow if we're going to win the game." Easier said than done as the Madrid side keep it tight at the back. "Atletico concede very few goals but we normally score a lot – unfortunately not last week but we have the quality including in away games," said Bosz ahead of the seventh meeting for the Werkself with Atletico on the European stage.
There have already been two ties in the Round of 16 in Europe's premier club competition – the Champions League campaign in 2016/17 ended with a 4-2 away defeat and a goalless draw at home; it was much closer in 2014/15 when the Werkself lost 3-2 on penalties. This time, "we want to show that we can get a result in this group," said Julian Baumgartlinger before emphasising: "We won't give up without a fight. The quality of the opposition is well known. They are compact, quick at the back, fast in transition and able to counter-attack really well." Baumgartlinger remains undaunted: "We want to play our own game."
Peter Bosz also spoke about his opposite number: "It's incredible what Diego Simeone has achieved here over the past few years. They compete at the top of the league every year and qualify for the Champions League – he's a phenomenon in my opinion. But I hope we don't help them out tomorrow." Atletico superstar Joao Felix will not be able to help his team either. The 19-year-old goalgetter is sidelined with an ankle injury. "He's one of the most talented players around. But we also know from the quality of the Atletico squad that they can replace him," said Baumgartlinger. "We haven't just prepared for Felix but also for the general style of play of our opponents."
Tomorrow's game will be refereed by Artur Soares Dias (Portugal).
