Real Madrid has shifted their always winning path to an uncertain outcome in every single Madrid Derby they play now, that is thanks to Diego Simeone's arrival to the Colchoneros. The Argentine manager has completed one of the most impressive feats in recent football history, which is to change a club's mentality almost overnight thanks to hard work and consistency. Long gone are the days when Atletico Madrid player didn't see a chance of beating the all mighty Real Madrid, those times are gone, Roberto Carlos was one of the last players who enjoyed those moments.
Talking to AS about next Saturday's derby, he said: "The preparation for a Clasico or a derby is no different from that for any other game but there are other things which need to be done because of what goes through the minds of the players. They will be wondering what will happen in the week following the game, how they will be received by their fans at their stadium. Because losing a derby or a Clasico is like losing a World Cup final."
Today things are very different, you are looking at a club that is still craving European success and has managed to take La Liga from Real Madrid and Barcelona's hands. Both Spanish giants now stare directly at the Colchoneros, with the never ending fear that they have the capacity to beat them and even ridicule them at any given moment. That's all thanks to Simeone and his impressive methods, this turns next Saturday's match into a totally unpredictable outcome.
Photo credit: Real Madrid CF