Atletico's busy schedule does not faze Simeone
Atletico Madrid will be looking to strengthen its position in LaLiga's top four when it hosts in-form Real Sociedad this weekend.
Atleti boss Diego Simeone insisted that his side not bothered by its busy schedule as it prepares for the match.
Atleti qualified for the Copa del Rey final during the week despite a 3-0 semi-final second leg defeat to Barcelona, with Simeone's side winning 4-3 on aggregate.
It also played Club Brugge over two legs in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, while it will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16 of the competition over the next two weeks.
Simeone's men have won their past two LaLiga matches – 4-2 against Espanyol and 1-0 away at Oviedo – and could record three or more consecutive victories in the competition for a second time this season.
The Argentinian coach is still seeking improvements in the league, but believes Atleti will be buoyed on by its home fans at Metropolitano, its home ground.
"Obviously, we need to keep improving in La Liga," Simeone said. "So I hope that we can have a good atmosphere and that we can respond in the best possible way.
"We are used to competing and playing games back-to-back, and I have no doubt that there will be an incredible atmosphere in the stadium.
"Our fans are very happy that the team has reached the [Copa del Rey] final, they’re happy because the team is fighting it out in the Champions League.
Atleti will also face La Real in the Copa del Rey final, with the latter defeating Basque rival Athletic Club in the last four.
Although Simeone anticipates a different encounter in the showpiece, he is still wary of the threat La Real pose under Pellegrino Matarazzo.
"I understand that the final will be different because it’s a final, and we’ll compete as best we can against a team that has been doing very well since their coach arrived," Simeone added.
"I think they’ve only lost one game, if I’m not mistaken, against [Real] Madrid after playing Athletic in the first semifinal, who also rotated quite a few players.
"So I imagine a competitive team with a lot of young players who are doing very well, and the truth is that since the coach arrived, the team has changed enormously."
