Rival coach ‘brags’ about Mbappe’s possible arrival

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has spoken of the possible arrival of Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid in an exclusive interview with Diario AS. The Argentina, in his words, acknowledged the recruitment policy of Real Madrid over the past years but claimed his side will compete with his fiercest rivals if the Frenchman joins. 

When asked about Mbappé joining Real Madrid, the Argentine said: ”I would love it, it would be extraordinary for the league, So that it can continue to be one of the best. All footballers who arrive in Spain enhance it. Madrid has no financial problem to afford him. Surely if it is not this year, we will be competing against him next season.”

The Atleti coach also spoke about the differences between two of the best players in the world currently; Mbappé and Haaland: “They are different. Haaland is an animal in front of goal, he is perfection in that ‘9′ role that lives facing the goal. The growth of Man City was to recover what his game demanded of him. Haaland had to arrive to secure the Champions League. Sometimes it’s not enough just to play well.”

“And on how Mbappé could make it harder to win in Spain? It depends how you look at it. We have won the Spanish league against Messi, Iniesta, Alexis, Xavi, Busquets… Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema… It’s football, not names.”

Asked to choose between Real Madrid or Barcelona, the Argentine responded: “I love how Barça has grown with Xavi. It was not easy when he arrived, everything looked strange, but he gave them an identity.

“Players with character are always needed and he had the opportunity use them, looking to Lewandowski, which is what City were after with Haaland, what Madrid is looking for with Mbappé. Winning is not easy, you have to have good players, but these are the ones that end up solving situations.”

Simeone continued: “Madrid, after years of being more careful in signings, returned to bringing in players and they always choose well, especially with guys like Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius who went through the youth academy.

“With a big investment, they have focused on guys with a huge future, they have brought in Bellingham, with Mbappé still to come… Solid bets.”

Featured image source: Diario AS