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Real Madrid Clash Is The Game Of The Year For Atletico Madrid - Quique Sanchez Flores

Los Rojiblancos must lose their defeatist attitude and enjoy 'el Derbi', according to their coach, who is clearly buzzing about the game...

Nov 6, 2009 5:24:49 PM

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Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores has revealed his love for derby matches, and was exuding confidence as he looked ahead to 'el Derbi' against Real Madrid on Saturday.

"We know that this is the game of the year and, what's more, it's come up at a time when victory is essential," Sanchez Flores explained to El Pais.

"The fans are all too aware of this as well. They will live up to [the atmosphere against Chelsea] last Tuesday and they will help us.

"I love important games. I admit it. I don't like it as much when games have no emotion, where things are taken for granted, where there are doubts over the level of motivation.

"In these games it's not necessary to push anyone, there is maximum exposure, the crowd roars, the pitches are crowded... I love it."

Atletico Madrid have not won the derby for a decade, with their last victory coming in a 3-1 win in October 1999 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Sanchez Flores, however, is unconcerned by history.

"I want the defeatist atmosphere and that sort of thing to be forgotten. We focus on a new, different time, which we must confront in the most positive way," he concluded.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com