"What exactly are you two trying to do?"
Ever since seeing Real Madrid's starting lineup, Simeone had been anxious and uneasy. He had a bad feeling, so when he walked out of the tunnel and saw Zidane heading toward the away dugout, he hurried over and asked bluntly.
He had come over to greet them as the home team, but asking so directly made the exchange somewhat hostile.
Zidane was already used to it, though. Simeone had never been a kind man.
"Many of our internationals had to be rotated," Zidane replied with a smile, sounding rather perfunctory.
"You know that's not what I'm asking."
Zidane shrugged with a smile. Did he look that stupid?
Before a crucial showdown, would he really reveal his tactical intentions to the opposition?
But one thing was certain to him now: Simeone was flustered, and he could not figure out Real Madrid's tactical intentions.
Seeing that Zidane clearly had no intention of explaining anything, Simeone curled his lips, pointed at him threateningly, and turned away. The scene was also seen by the Atletico Madrid fans in the stands. They thought Simeone was threatening Zidane, and immediately began cheering.
Atletico had to be tough against Real Madrid!
Even if they lost, they had to crush their opponents at Calderon Stadium!
What they did not know was that the unease in Simeone's heart had grown even heavier.
Judging from the starting lineup he had received, Real Madrid seemed to be using a 4-3-3 setup in this match.
Courtois was in goal. The back four consisted of Marcelo, Vermaelen, Ramos, and Carvajal. The midfield comprised Toni Kroos, Kanté, and Modrić, while the front three were Hazard, Yang Yang, and Isco.
Without a doubt, just as before, Real Madrid was focusing only on the players' form and