Diego Simeone has expressed “huge respect” and long-standing admiration for José Mourinho ahead of Sunday’s Madrid derby, their first competitive meeting since the 2014 Champions League semi-final.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Simeone said he is not one to dwell on encounters from more than a decade ago, but stressed that he has followed Mourinho’s career closely and values him highly as a coach. “I have huge respect for Mourinho; I’ve been an admirer of his for a long time, I’ve followed him and watched him,” he said. “He knows the regard I have for him. Hopefully we can compete tomorrow as we have done when we’ve faced him.”

The two managers last met when Atlético eliminated Mourinho’s Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in the 2014 Champions League semi-final. Their previous derby clash came in the 2013 Copa del Rey final, when Mourinho’s Real Madrid beat Atlético 2-1 after extra time at the Bernabéu. In La Liga during Mourinho’s first spell at Real, Simeone lost all three meetings.

Atlético enter the match third in La Liga, one point behind second-placed Real Madrid and six points off leaders Barcelona, who have won all seven games. A victory would move Simeone’s side above their city rivals into second place.

Jonathan David has provided an immediate boost up front since joining Atlético. The Canadian striker scored in his first two La Liga appearances, against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, and also assisted Lee Kang-in’s goal in the 4-0 win over Osasuna. Simeone has praised David’s composure and the extra depth he brings to the attack.

On the other side, Kylian Mbappé is set to feature for Real Madrid in his first competitive Madrid derby. The match also sets up an intriguing midfield battle between Lee Kang-in and Jude Bellingham as both teams look to control tempo and transition quickly in a fixture that could reshape the early title picture.