Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid: Simeone chooses Zidane's three main players and it's not Modric [PHOTOS]

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Cristiano Ronaldo left and the priorities for Real Madrid's rivals changed, especially for 'Cholo' Diego Simeone, coach of Atletico Madrid. If the 'heir' in that matter was once Luka Modric, now his speech has changed. For the Argentine coach, the players that worry him the most for Saturday's duel in a new edition of the Madrid derby are far from the new stars that have arrived this season.

"He has a very strong backbone. In recent years, it has changed very little. They are always the same players who do very well and maintain their place in the team. Casemiro, Ramos, and Benzema, clearly, are too important players for Real Madrid," said 'Cholo' in a press conference prior to the big match at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Simeone knows Madrid very well and knows that to beat them it is essential to win the midfield, the strength of Zidane's team in the achievement of the three consecutive Champions League titles, thus exposing their defensive weaknesses and also cutting off their offensive production, that connection with Benzema.

The 49-year-old coach was also asked about what is more important for him: winning the Champions League or the derby on Saturday. True to his style, Simeone responded directly and briefly to the journalist in the press conference.

"Winning the derby or the Champions League? Winning the derby because we have it tomorrow. We live for what happens tomorrow," concluded the Argentine who will lead his ninth derby: two wins for Cholo, three for Zinedine, and three draws.

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