Diego Simeone is asking Atletico Madrid for a clean first few minutes at Anfield, and not much else has changed in his message. The club goes there with the memory of last season still hanging over the trip, when they trailed 2-0 after six minutes, clawed it back to 2-2 and still lost to a late Virgil van Dijk header. Simeone has been Atletico manager for almost 15 years, so this is not a novice speaking about a new ground.
Liverpool's start and Simeone's respect
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Simeone said: "I don't think it has been motivation what happened to us in Bilbao, it was a lack of awareness, switching off. We are coming into a marvellous stadium, a great atmosphere, we have to look at the start of the game as it will be full on."
He also gave Liverpool's new coach credit for how quickly the side is taking on his ideas. Simeone said: "When you go to a new team you always have great excitement and it is true that he is getting that across to the players and it is true he has that advantage over me. I see that he is trying to get across all of the things he has put into other teams. He works really hard for his team in terms of the tactical elements to make sure everyone is involved in the play."
Liverpool arrive unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, and they have never lost an opening home match in the European Cup or Champions League across 12 fixtures. Atletico, by contrast, have kept just one clean sheet in their past 16 Champions League matches and have lost on each of their last five visits to England.
Alvarez's role from the bench
The other part of Atletico's trip is selection, with Julián Alvarez named in the travelling squad but still not looked at as a starter. Simeone told the Independent: "Jonathan has only just arrived, Julian is getting better. I don't see he could start tomorrow, but I am sure he could help at some point in the game."
That lines up with the broader move around Atletico's attack. Jonathan David was part of the same forward conversation, while Atletico refused to sell Barcelona despite interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. Alvarez managed 24 minutes in Atletico's last league match, so the bench role looks more realistic than a full return to the XI.
The job at Anfield is obvious enough. Atletico need a calmer opening than last season, and Simeone knows the first phase of the game could decide how much damage they have to repair later on.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
