Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted that Premier League clubs are currently one step ahead of those in La Liga and the rest of the major leagues in Europe.
Simeone has just guided Atletico to their second La Liga title in the space of seven years, bringing their total trophies in charge of the club to nine.
Los Rojiblancos topped the two most successful clubs in Spanish football history at the post, but they left the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea – who finished fourth in the Premier League.
Chelsea went on to hold an all-English final against Manchester City and Simeone admits the Premier League is stronger than La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A at the moment.
“I think so (the Premier League clubs are the best in Europe,” the Argentinian told ESPN. “The English league is very strong. Firstly, they have an economic investment from all clubs which is very equal and very strong.
“In the other championships, there are always two clubs: Paris, Bayern, Barcelona and Madrid. In England, Liverpool, Manchester, City or Chelsea can win. It’s a more equal championship.
“When you see who reached the semi-finals, and Chelsea and City [sont en finale], it shows the good timing of English football. “
Atletico lost the first leg of the C1 round of 16 against Chelsea 1-0 on neutral ground in Romania, with travel restrictions in Spain at the time preventing the game from being played at Wanda Metropolitano.
Simeone believes his side were unlucky in this game, but have no excuse for their 2-0 second leg loss at Stamford Bridge and expects the Blues to be in good shape against City on Saturday night .
“We played in Romania because of the Covid, which was an additional problem.”
“In the second game they were superior and we are happy that the team that knocked us out made it to the final. I really like the game of Chelsea. It will be a great game because City have a great team.”
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