Diego Simeone has built a reputation for intensity on the touchline, but when it comes to Barcelona, the Atletico Madrid boss shows nothing but respect.
Despite his own team’s struggles early in the season, the Argentine openly admitted that facing Barca is his favorite challenge.
Atletico sit near the bottom half of La Liga after a poor run of results, with just two points from three matches.
The slow start has raised questions about their ability to fight for the title. Yet Simeone still found time to praise Hansi Flick’s side, pointing to their style, quality, and consistency.
Barcelona, under Flick, are showing the type of balance and energy that Simeone admires. With young stars stepping into key roles, the Catalans have looked sharp and efficient.
For Simeone, who has gone head-to-head with them more than most, it’s clear the respect runs deep.
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What Diego Simeone said about Barcelona?
Speaking in his latest media appearance (via COPE’s El Partidazo), Simeone didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite opponents.
❓ ¿No ves la exigencia de un título?
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) September 9, 2025
🎙️ Responde Simeone, en @partidazocope
🏆 "En estos momentos hablar de ganar títulos no sería bueno para los que somos del Atleti"
📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/SSEu0r2e21
“My favourite team? Barcelona. Good coaches are those who manage to bring out the best in their players. They play vertically, positionally, and their wingers are very important. Raphinha last season, not to mention Yamal, Pedri. They have a great team.”
It wasn’t the first time he had offered similar praise. After a loss to Barcelona last season, Simeone called them “the team that plays the best” and highlighted their strong use of crosses and attacking balance.
Simeone also underlined that he is not satisfied with Atletico repeatedly finishing behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the standings.
He reminded fans that while third place guarantees Champions League football, it doesn’t match his hunger for silverware.
“Am I happy being third? No, it doesn’t make me happy, but for the club it’s extremely important to be third and I’m a club man.”
With Flick’s Barcelona on the rise and Atletico desperate to push forward, this rivalry looks set to stay one of La Liga’s defining battles.
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