UCL: Arda predicts final for Athletico
The Turkey international has the
utmost respect for Jose Mourinho and
his Blues side but believes that Diego
Simeone is well on his way to
becoming the best tactical coach in
th...
Arda Turan has revealed that Atletico Madrid
still believe that they can upset Chelsea at
Stamford Bridge and reach the final of the
Champions League.
The Rojiblancos were held to a 0-0 draw in
the first leg of their last-four clash with the
Blues at the Vicente Calderon last Tuesday,
prompting many pundits to make Jose
Mourinho's men the favourites to progress to
next month's tournament decider in Lisbon.
However, Arda says that the tie is still
perfectly balanced and that Atletico's faith in
themselves has not been affected by their
inability to secure a lead to protect in west
London.
"[0-0] is neither an advantage nor
disadvantage; just a fresh start," the Turkey
international told the Andadolu News
Agency . "We will see. We are a team that
fight for every ball; for every second of the
game.
"We believe in our ability, our dream. We
chase our dreams and go as far as possible
to realise them. Atletico supporters know
that we give everything we have on the
playing field before leaving it - win or lose.
We believe we will reach the final."
Chelsea boss Mourinho came in for some
criticism for his side's allegedly negative
approach to the first leg but Arda has the
utmost respect for the Portuguese and says
that neutrals should be bracing themselves
for an equally cagey affair at Stamford
Bridge, as he feels that Atleti boss Diego
Simeone is just as tactically capable as the
two-time Champions League winner - if not
more so.
"Simeone is on one side and Maurinho on the
other ... [A tactical battle] is to expected," he
reasoned. "These are perhaps the two best
tacticians in the world of football. A tactical
battle is normal.
"On or off the field, Mourinho is someone I
regard and appreciate highly. As he says
himself, he is a special coach. But we, too,
have a very special coach. Perhaps he will
even surpass Mourinho.
"So, it will be a very good game. Mourinho is
a very special technically but Simeone is on
his way to becoming the best technical
coach in the world."
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