Atletico experience won’t influence final - Simeone

MARSEILLE V ATL MADRID

Diego Simeone has played down the significance of Atletico Madrid’s big-game experience ahead of the Europa League final against Marseille.

The Argentinian guided Atletico to success in the competition in 2012, a victory which provided a springboard for runs to the Champions League finals of 2014 and 2016.

The Rojiblancos also won La Liga in 2014 and Simeone hopes to make use of those experiences against the French side in Lyon tonight, but he concedes they will not make a huge difference.

Simeone, pictured, said: “Experience is a little thing that can help but it’s not going to have too much influence. We’ll be excited, up for it, but also tense. We need to take the game where we want it and do damage where we can.”

With the likes of Dimitri Payet and Florian Thauvin shining in attack, Marseille have impressed throughout the campaign.

Simeone, who continues to serve a touchline ban for his dismissal during the first leg of his side’s semi-final against Arsenal, said: “They [Marseille] had a great season, at home and on the continent. We’re two similar sides. They’ve maybe not been together as long as we have but they’re just as enthusiastic and work hard. It’ll be a great final.”

The match is the first of two opportunities Marseille will have this week to qualify for the Champions League. After the final in Lyon, Marseille go into their final Ligue 1 match of the season against Amiens with a chance of snatching third spot if results go their way. Former West Ham playmaker Payet said: “We believe against Atletico because this season has shown we are a real team. We’ve proven that we could overcome some steep challenges. We have the chance to play at home – in our country – with a national fervour. Atletico are favourites. They want to win the Champions League and the Europa League, but we will play with our heart.”