Simeone ignores a historic achievement against Barcelona and reveals his weapon to bring down Flick

What is it?

Diego Simeone has lifted the lid on Atletico Madrid's preparations to face Barcelona this Sunday evening, stressing the importance of Koke's return to the starting line-up in dealing with the high press from the Catalan side. The Argentine also pointed to the Metropolitano crowd as a decisive factor in the eagerly awaited encounter.

Starting Koke from the off is all about giving Atletico calmness in build-up play against Barcelona's press, Simeone explained ahead of the match. "We know we can begin the match this way, and we are looking for Koke to give us the calmness in play that he possesses, against an opponent who presses very well, and we know they will push us to stay alert."

A win would lift Atletico to the top of La Liga and hand Simeone his 345th victory in the competition, making him the manager with the most wins in the division's history. The numbers, though, barely register. "I don't think about that, I think about the match, and from now on, whatever comes, welcome to it."

Their supporters loom large in his thinking, too. Simeone insisted the home crowd shape the way his team performs at the Metropolitano. "Our fans are always decisive and influential when we play on our own ground."

Sunday pits the league's sharpest attack against its meanest defence. Barcelona have scored 46 goals, more than anyone else. Atletico have conceded just eight, fewer than any rival. Yet Simeone refused to frame stopping the Catalans as anything out of the ordinary.

"No, it's just a match, an important and exciting match, and a great opportunity to show the potential the team possesses, and we hope we can prove that on the pitch," the Atletico coach said.