Arrigo Sacchi claims “there won’t be a Champions League final if Real Madrid play as a team” against Atletico Madrid.
Sacchi was Madrid’s sporting director during the 2004-05 campaign and unsuccessfully managed Atleti five years earlier, and the legendary Italian Coach made it clear that his allegiances lay with Los Blancos in Milan due to their “huge” individual advantage.
“Real Madrid have great players but struggle to play as a great team,” he told Cadena COPE.
“They lack the hunger that Atletico have, but if Madrid play as a team then there won’t be a final. The individual difference between them and Atletico is huge.
“Still, [Diego Simeone] is doing a fantastic job. He’s an example for all of society. He’s working a miracle.
“I prefer a different style of play to Atletico’s, but I love their level of defensive organisation, character and work.
“In my time at Madrid, I saw games with [Alfredo] Di Stefano and never sat through one. I’d say to him, ‘another ugly and boring show, I’m going.’
“Football is about beauty, music and harmony. [Atleti] have the team but lack harmony.
“[Zinedine] Zidane is an intelligent man and a great professional, while Casemiro has given balance to the team.
“Florentino Perez signs as many players as he can. He gives joy to everyone.”