Diego Simeone hails in-form Vinicius Junior ahead of the Madrid derby
Ahead of the Madrid derby, Atletico's boss hailed the in-form Brazilian forward after scoring 18 goals for the Los Blancos this season.
Vinicius scored twice in Real Madrid's 5-2 Champions league victory at Anfield to rack up 18 goals this season. The Brazilian also scored in the last Madrid derby in January, helping his side to secure a 3-1 victory over their local rivals.
The Atletico boss Diego Simeone told his press conference on Friday:
"I think his growth has been enormous.
"It was a great bet that Real Madrid had on him, he improved all of his numbers year after year, and he's in a great moment as a player."
Saturday's derby will mark Simeone's 612th game with Atleti, claiming the record for the most matches as the coach of one club in La Liga history.
The Argentine thanked his players for the honor, adding: "
Above all, I am lucky, and I have to be grateful to the club and to all those who played for the team.
"Without all these situations, both for the club and for the players, it would be impossible to meet these numbers; they made me able to express myself.
"The numbers are accompanied by the results. I'm grateful to all the players who went through the team. I am in the place I want to be, and I am still very excited."
Although Atletico is likely to endure a trophyless campaign this season, Simeone insists his side has much to play for, adding:
"There are seasons where we can compete to win something and others when it seems far away.
"It is not less important, what we have left. Every match where you put on the Rojiblanco shirt, you have to be excited."
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