Valencia vs Atletico de Madrid - Atletico coach Diego Simeone braced for tough test

Posted Saturday, March 05, 2016 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone expects Valencia to provide a tough obstacle as he looks to keep his side in the title race.

Atletico trail formidable La Liga leaders Barcelona by eight points ahead of Sunday's trip to the Mestalla and must keep winning while hoping for a slip-up from the Catalan giants.

But Valencia, after a tough season and rocky start under new boss Gary Neville, have finally started to find some form.

Los Che have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and have climbed to 10th in the Primera Division, easing fears of relegation.

Simeone told a press conference: "We are still trying to surpass ourselves. We know that it is very difficult a team as Barcelona will lose games but we only think about ourselves.

"We will prepare according to what we have. We have these days to prepare for the game against Valencia, which is obviously a very complicated match.

"We are looking to get stronger for what is left of the championship. What matters in football is to win."

Simeone's side go into the game unbeaten in five Primera Division matches and looking for third successive victory. They overcame Real Sociedad 3-0 on Tuesday.

Valencia's upturn in form has led to reports that Neville, whose initial deal runs until the end of the season, could be offered a two-year contract in the summer.

That prospect seemed unlikely as Neville failed to find a win in his first 12 La Liga games and were also thrashed 7-0 by Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

But Neville is not focusing on that issue as he strives to maintain the current momentum and find a level of consistency.

He said: "If we win people say we look up, if we lose people say, 'are you worried about looking down?'

"I think we are in a good moment. We are fighting well."