Simeone: 'Any Chelsea player would walk into any team in Europe'

The Argentine manager has heaped praise on the German tactician and the squad he has inherited at Stamford Bridge before their meeting.

Diego Simeone has been left in awe by the strength of the Chelsea squad, stating that any of their players could walk into any team in Europe.

Simeone’s comments come ahead of the clash between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 in Romania.

The Premier League side have been flying high lately, having emerged victorious in five of their previous seven fixtures across all competitions.

Thomas Tuchel deserves most of the credit for their fine form. The Blues were struggling for consistency under Frank Lampard but consistency has been the name of the game with Tuchel at the helm.

A tough test now awaits them as they prepare to go against the La Liga leaders, who have tasted defeat in just one of their last 12 matches.

“It’s a strong club, financially, Since last year, they have spent enormously,” said Simeone in his pre-match press conference, via Football London.

“The coach is important and he has made a strong impression. It’s a young and good squad and they invest in young players.

“They changed the coach when they didn’t see the investments were improving [the squad]. Tuchel has a strong team and they have improved statistically.

“Just look at the goalkeepers, the strikers…any player could play in any team in Europe.”