Simeone: Atletico cannot give Tevez time to think

goal.com

The Argentine coach has identified his compatriot as the principal threat to the Spanish champions' hopes of beating the in-form Bianconeri

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid cannot afford to give Carlos Tevez time to think if they are overcomeJuventus in their crucial Champions League clash at the Vicente Calderon.

Tevez has started the season in sensational fashion, netting six goals in six games in all competitions, including a double in the Bianconeri's 2-0 win over Malmo in their Group A opener.

Consequently, Simeone has identified his fellow Argentine as the principal threat to Atletico's hopes of getting their continental campaign back on track.

"Juventus have always been a very competitive team," he told reporters on Tuesday. "It's not easy to find flaws in their game. We will have to play a high-level match.

"I have enormous respect for Juventus. They always show their hard work on the pitch.

"They like to press and create spaces for players like Tevez, [Fernando] Llorente or [Alvaro] Morata.

"Tevez is a great player, especially when he is close to the goal. I know him well. We can’t let him think."

However, Simeone has been buoyed by Atletico's performance in their 4-0 La Liga demolition of the previously undefeated Sevilla at the weekend.

"Against Sevilla, we had continuity in our game and that allowed us to play a complete match," the former midfield ace enthused.