Simeone: Atletico know how to succeed

The Argentine believes his side's ability to hide their weaknesses has led to their success over the last three years

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes his side are reaping the rewards of the winning mentality they have built over the last three years.

The Argentine took over the Spanish club back in 2011 and quickly transformed their fortunes, delivering the Europa League, the Copa del Rey and the Liga titles.

They have the chance to complete a double when they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday and Simeone is delighted with the effect his work has had.

"It's the fruit of the labour that we've been doing for nearly three years," Simeone told Uefa.com.

"We responded well in the Europa League a year and a half ago, if I remember rightly. We still have the same humility, the same group ethic.

"From the strikers right through to the goalkeeper, the team is aware of how we need to play in order to succeed, in order to highlight our strengths and hide our weaknesses − because we do have weaknesses, we just hope not to show them."

Despite the local rivalry between the two clubs, Simeone believes that Real Madrid and Atleti are complete opposites.

"It's a historic rivalry. It's great, both in terms of the matches themselves and the fact that in one city you have such a powerful team as Real Madrid and a battling team such as Atletico Madrid.

"The idiosyncrasies of the clubs couldn't be more different, possibly from a social perspective as well. Each team uses the tools it has at its disposal and it's a great rivalry, no matter which team you support."