Diego Simeone once again heaps praise on Barcelona ahead of Copa del Rey clash | OneFootball

Diego Simeone is usually a very outspoken manager, who can appear quite aggressive when talking about his opponents.

However, in recent times, Simeone has extended a hand of admiration for Barcelona and the way that they have performed under Hansi Flick this season.

The Atletico Madrid manager has even called Barcelona the best-performing team in La Liga, which is not something one usually gets to hear from the Argentine every day.

Simeone once again praises Barcelona

Now, in a recent press conference, Simeone has once again heaped praise on Barcelona, calling them the best team in the league.

“A rival that, as I said, I think is the one that plays the best in La Liga. Their numbers speak for themselves about what Barcelona are doing,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Diego Simeone is geared for the Barcelona tie in the Copa Del Rey (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Simeone’s statement came against the backdrop of Atletico Madrid recently being drawn against the Catalans in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey.

This was, in fact, Simeone’s first reaction about Barcelona since the draw. And it appears the Argentine hasn’t changed his stance regarding the Catalans and the way they have played this season.

One can hardly disagree with Simeone either as Barcelona have indeed broken all sorts of records with their attractive, attacking football with a high defensive line.

Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, though, can prove to be an ideal ‘Anti-Barcelona’ of sorts, given their low defensive block and a rigid backline that can put off even the best attack in the world.

Therefore, the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will have their task cut out when they take on Los Colchoneros in the cup semifinals.