Simeone says Atletico can compete for LaLiga title
Diego Simeone believes his Atletico Madrid side is capable of challenging reigning LaLiga champion Barcelona for the league title.
Barca is currently top of the table after winning all nine league games this season, giving it a five-point lead over second-place Atleti, and all eyes will be on the Blaugrana when it hosts the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on Monday (AEDT).
Atletico, though, is also in fine form, having won each of its past five LaLiga games, with the past three being by a one-goal margin.
Atleti faces Barca at home on 9 November (AEDT), but not before LaLiga matches with Deportivo A Coruna and Levante, as well as a UEFA Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Despite the upcoming test, Simeone insisted that his full focus is on Deportivo this weekend.
When asked if Atleti can challenge Barca this season, Simeone responded: "Yes, of course, you can always compete. That's perfectly clear. It's obvious.
"That doesn't change the fact that they [Barca] have a fantastic team.
"Before that [Barcelona match], there's Levante, Bayern. There's a long way to go.
"We're focused on Saturday's [Sunday AEDT] match, on where we can hurt them. Deportivo has been competing very well in every game; they've won, they've drawn, they've lost, but they always compete well.
"They're a brave team. We already faced them in the last Copa del Rey, and it was a tough match. All our energy is focused on doing well in this game."
Deportivo made a strong start to the campaign, going unbeaten in its first five games, but it has since gone winless in four league games.
Its struggles have coincided with the injury of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored five goals and provided two assists in his opening five games this season.
