Mansion Sports – Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone told the media that his team must manage their emotions effectively in order to defeat Arsenal in the second leg of the 2025/2026 Champions League semi-final, but stated that ultimately everything depends on the players.

He also provided injury updates regarding three of his star players, with Julian Alvarez’s recovery becoming the main concern at the Metropolitano.

Speaking to the press before Atletico held their training session at Emirates Stadium, Simeone explained that he does not have much control once the first whistle is blown.

“No matter how much we analyze it, football is entirely about the players. We need to manage emotions effectively so the match can unfold in the best possible way.”

“The match changes immediately after it starts; experience and time bring greater calmness—not always ease, but the peace of mind required to face a match like tomorrow.”

Attempting to Repeat the Second-Half Performance

“I will try to make them repeat the second half. If it were that easy, of course it would be wonderful,” he said with a smile, referring to Atletico’s impressive second-half display in Madrid.

“We Just Want the Match to Begin”

Simeone was not particularly interested in creating any controversy, instead appearing relaxed ahead of the match.

“You are looking for headlines or standout phrases as usual, but coaches and players only want the match to begin. Because this is a football match, and whoever plays better will win. We will try to maximize our strengths, and the Arsenal manager will try to maximize theirs.”

That attitude was also reflected in his response when asked why the team changed the hotel where they are staying compared to when they suffered a 4-0 defeat during the Champions League group stage.

“We are better now than we were in October. And the hotel is cheaper. That is why we changed it,” he said while laughing.

Simeone on the Fitness of Sorloth, Giuliano, and Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid have three injury concerns ahead of this match, with Julian Alvarez considered the most doubtful case, followed by Alexander Sorloth and Giuliano Simeone.

“They moved a little yesterday, their condition is better. We hope they can train well and we will decide how to start tomorrow morning. Julian [Alvarez] knows the English league very well, last week’s match was very good and hopefully he can respond according to the demands of the match.”

The Result Does Not Depend Solely on Atletico

In terms of managing the emotional demands of the match, Simeone once again showed confidence in his plan, although he did not want to appear overly confident.

“We will try to play the match that needs to be played, with the intensity and understanding that the match demands. We have a lot of belief in what we are doing, confidence and trust in what we want to achieve in this match, and the result does not depend only on us.”

Arsenal will begin the match against Atletico Madrid at Emirates Stadium at 21:00 CEST on Tuesday night, with The Gunners holding a slight advantage heading into this encounter. However, Los Colchoneros remain optimistic about their chances against an Arsenal side that they successfully pressured in the first leg.