'I wish him all the best' - Simeone shows sympathy for under-fire Koeman

The Atletico head coach spoke highly of his Barcelona opposite number ahead of their face-off on the weekend.

Diego Simeone showed sympathy for under-fire Ronald Koeman in Friday’s pre-match press conference for Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona.

Koeman has been dominating headlines lately as speculations suggest he is soon set to be relieved of his Barcelona managerial duties.

The Catalans giants have been quite lackluster this season. They lost both their opening Champions League group stage matches and now risk an early elimination while are also well off the pace in La Liga, sitting at sixth place in the standings after dropping six points already.

It has been reported the Blaugrana have begun their search for a new manager, and Simeone understands what an “uncomfortable situation” it is for Koeman.

“Koeman has shown a lot of character and I wish him all the best,” the Atletico boss told reporters (via Marca).

“We are all worried about our own situations. I know he must be in an uncomfortable situation. All of us coaches respect Koeman, and I always will.”