Simeone Praises Arbeloa Ahead of Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid manager lauds Real Madrid counterpart before crucial La Liga clash.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been complimentary of his opposite number Alvaro Arbeloa, ahead of the two teams' meeting in the Madrid derby on Sunday. Simeone praised Arbeloa's connection with the Real Madrid players and the team's improved performances, particularly in the Champions League. The Atletico boss also discussed the recent form of striker Julian Alvarez and the possibility of rotating his squad for the derby.

Why it matters

The Madrid derby is always a highly anticipated match, and with Real Madrid still in the title race, this game carries extra significance. Simeone's comments about Arbeloa provide insight into how the Atletico manager views his counterpart and the challenge Real Madrid will pose.

The details

Simeone highlighted Arbeloa's strong connection with the Real Madrid players and the team's improved performances, particularly in the Champions League against Benfica and Manchester City. The Atletico boss also discussed the recent form of striker Julian Alvarez, who scored a brilliant goal in Atletico's win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week. Simeone acknowledged that Alvarez, like everyone, has his ups and downs, but was pleased to see the striker back at his best. Regarding potential squad rotation, Simeone said he was still deciding whether to continue with the rotations Atletico have used when they have had Champions League matches followed by league games.

  • The Madrid derby will take place on Sunday night.
  • Simeone's comments were made in an interview with Diario AS on March 21, 2026.

The players

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atletico Madrid, who has been in charge of the club since 2011 and led them to the La Liga title in 2014.

Alvaro Arbeloa

The manager of Real Madrid, who took over the role in January 2026 after previously serving as an assistant coach at the club.

Julian Alvarez

An Argentinian striker who plays for Atletico Madrid and scored a brilliant goal in their recent Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's doing a great job; the results speak for themselves. There's a real connection with the players, and it shows. Beyond the technical ability we coaches have, there's something extra that's evident. You can see that there's a shared understanding of what the coach wants and needs.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

“You see it better than we do. They always follow the same pattern because the players are the same. They're working well as a team, especially in the Champions League against Benfica and City, and that's the pattern they'll continue to follow to keep Real Madrid's aspiration to win everything, as always.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

“He's a person, and like everyone, we have our ups and downs. We've seen what we saw before in the last few matches. That's why, when his level dropped, we were demanding to see this level again. We know that the road ahead is never straight, and there are always twists and turns. And you know what I think when there are twists and turns.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

What’s next

The Madrid derby between Atletico and Real Madrid will take place on Sunday night, with Real Madrid looking to keep their La Liga title hopes alive.

The takeaway

Simeone's praise for Arbeloa and Real Madrid's recent performances, as well as his comments on managing player form, provide insight into the tactical and psychological factors at play ahead of this crucial Madrid derby match.