Atletico de Madrid vs Real Sociedad preview - Simeone still in the spotlight

Posted Sunday, March 10, 2013 by PA

Atletico Madrid may be preparing to welcome a fellow top-six side to the Vicente Calderon in the latest test of their 100 per cent home record, but all the talk this week has been about coach Diego Simeone's contract extension.

Sunday night's visit of Real Sociedad represents a real challenge to Atletico's home dominance as the Txuri-urdin arrive unbeaten in eight league games - a run that includes victory over leaders Barcelona - but they have definitely been given second billing in the week's headlines for Los Rojiblancos.

Simeone, who guided Atletico to Europa League and UEFA Super Cup glory in his first six months in charge before masterminding a league campaign that has so far put city rivals Real in the shade, has agreed a new four-year deal with the club.

"To have continuity of the coach is important to us," said new Brazil call-up Filipe Luis.

"It's good to know you're at a club with a good project, fighting for major titles. The coach has achieved everything he has set out to since he arrived.

"He has won titles and made a great season, and he never lets his guard down for a moment."

Atletico have booked themselves a Copa del Rey final meeting with Real Madrid as they go for glory once more but Filipe knows they can only play one game at a time.

"The goal now is Real Sociedad," he said. "We are all completely focused on this game. We know they are playing good football and having a great season."

Sociedad know the odds are against them tomorrow night, but defender Carlos Martinez remains optimistic of springing a surprise.

"They have 13 wins in 13 matches in the league (at home)," he said. "That says everything about how difficult it will be, but we are on a good run, the team is confident and we can score anywhere.

"They are very strong at home but we're playing good football and scoring a lot of goals. It should be a good match."

Martinez pointed at Sociedad's record of picking up tough wins on the road, having already beaten Valencia, Malaga and Athletic Bilbao as well as Real Zaragoza.

"It is one more difficult place for us to go. But the Mestalla was complicated, Malaga too and San Mames," he said. "This team has responded and now we're raring to get another victory in a tough arena."

end