Simeone: ‘I see myself as Inter coach one day’

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone admits he sees himself ‘one day as the coach of Inter’ and thinks Cristian Chivu’s side are the ‘Scudetto favourites’ ahead of their Champions League clash.

It kicks off at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.

While the Nerazzurri have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League so far this season on 12 points from four games, Atleti have struggled and secured only half that tally.

There were some highs, notably the 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt and 3-1 against Union Saint-Gilloise, but also a 3-2 loss at Liverpool and truly embarrassing 4-0 away to Arsenal.

It means they must try to keep that home advantage going when Inter come to Madrid.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone gives a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match against Inter Milan at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on March 12, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

“Inter play very well, they have character and a very clear attacking pattern,” said Simeone in his press conference.

“They have an incredible squad. They dominated the entire match against Milan , had scoring opportunities and could’ve won. They certainly played to win. As for in the Champions League, their numbers speak for themselves.”

That 1-0 defeat to AC Milan at the weekend in the Derby della Madonnina confirmed the pattern this season where Inter have struggled in the big games.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale is challenged by Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan , Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“For a team like Inter , losing the derby means putting it behind you straight away and moving on, because this is a very strong side, the favourites to win the Scudetto, and will go far in the Champions League too,” continued Simeone.

“Every match is important for us, regardless of the opponent. We are in the ascendant phase of our campaign. We’ve got to improve in various areas, but we are aware of that and working on it.

“Our fans can help us tomorrow, they are crucial for the home games with support and incredible passion. We want them to give their all, just as we will on the pitch.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale , looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan , Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This is a repeat of the fixture that saw these teams face off in the Round of 16 in March 2024, when Inter won 1-0 at San Siro and lost 2-1 in Madrid, eventually capitulating on penalties.

“There are some players who were there two years ago, but every game is different. They changed coach and several other things. It’s a great Inter side that I really like, so we must be wary of their potential, and do our best.

“It is difficult to explain what you can see every day, so I won’t come here and tell you how Chivu has changed Inter .”

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 13: Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico Madrid, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Atlético Madrid and FC Internazionale at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 13, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Simeone has some fitness concerns to deal with, as goalkeeper Jan Oblak and his son Giuliano Simeone are both major doubts.

Considering his past in the Inter jersey from 1996 to 1999, and his time coaching in Serie A for Catania, does Cholo think he might one day become the coach of Inter?

“I don’t know, but yes, I do see myself one day as the coach of Inter along my journey,” he confessed.