Diego Simeone urges Atletico Madrid’s new players to stay calm in derby

Diego Simeone has been here before. Fifty-one times before, to be precise. But for several of his players, Saturday’s Madrid derby will be their first taste of a rivalry that can define careers or shatter confidence in 90 minutes.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on September 19, 2026, the Atletico Madrid manager delivered a message that was equal parts reassurance and instruction: stay calm, trust your talent, and don’t let the occasion swallow you whole.

A new-look squad meets an old rivalry

Atletico spent roughly €125 million this summer reshaping their squad. Cristian Romero, Morten Hjulmand, Kang-in Lee, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Jonathan David all arrived as part of a significant overhaul designed to keep the club competitive at the top of La Liga and in European competition.

Simeone acknowledged the unique cocktail of excitement and anxiety that derby day produces, particularly for players experiencing it for the first time. His prescription was straightforward: combine individual quality with collective security.

Simeone’s derby legacy

When Simeone took over Atletico in 2011, the club’s relationship with Real Madrid could generously be described as lopsided. Fifteen years later, that dynamic has fundamentally shifted, with Simeone transforming Atletico from persistent underdogs into genuine contenders.

The most recent example came in September 2025, when Atletico dismantled Real Madrid 5-2. Replicating that belief with a squad that includes so many new faces is Simeone’s central challenge heading into this weekend.

The form guide

Atletico enter the derby sitting fourth in the La Liga table with 13 points, three behind second-placed Real Madrid on 15.

Real Madrid, now managed by José Mourinho, have the advantage of fielding established stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

What to watch

The integration of Cristian Romero into Atletico’s defensive structure will be one of the most consequential storylines of the match. The Argentine center-back, known for his aggressive style and ball-playing ability, represents exactly the profile Simeone values: a defender who competes on every ball but maintains positional awareness within a rigid system.

In midfield, Morten Hjulmand’s ability to control tempo and provide a platform for Atletico’s attacking transitions adds a dimension the squad has arguably lacked. The Danish midfielder’s composure on the ball aligns neatly with Simeone’s pre-derby message about staying calm under pressure.

Jonathan David gives Atletico a genuine goal threat who can punish any defensive lapses from Real Madrid.

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