In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 play-offs, Club Brugge will face Atlético Madrid away from home. Ahead of the match, Club Brugge head coach Leko attended the pre-match press conference.

On the first leg between the two teams

“Every match is different and cannot be compared. In Madrid, in front of 70,000 fans, against a very strong team, the environment will be completely different. We have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain. We must be well prepared and full of fighting spirit if we want to compete with Atlético. They are always very aggressive in the first 20 minutes. We know their weaknesses and we are aware of their strengths, but I don’t know who the favourite to qualify is.”

On comparing himself to who he was in 2018

“It’s difficult to talk about myself — that’s for you to judge. I hope I’ve become a better coach and a better person, and I certainly have more experience now. But one thing is certain: whether in the past or now, no one wants to win more than I do. We are capable of playing an excellent match.”

On Ordóñez attracting interest from European clubs

“He is an outstanding player who has already proven himself in the Champions League and in the Belgian league. He is young and talented, and he has everything required to succeed in football.”

On having faced Simeone both as a player and as a coach

“He was an outstanding player — a winner and a leader on the pitch. As a coach, to remain at this level for 14 years is truly incredible. When you talk about Atlético Madrid, the first image that comes to mind is him. I have enormous respect for him. His drive and passion are still unbelievable. I’m really looking forward to facing him.”

What kind of Club Brugge will we see?

“We have our own plan. While respecting Atlético, we want to play our football and control the game when we have possession. That’s easier said than done, and a lot will also depend on the opponent tomorrow. Every match is a new story, but we will play without fear because we have nothing to lose. I expect a game played at maximum intensity. We will compete with everything we have and see if that will be enough.”

Do you expect to reach the Champions League Round of 16?

“It’s an honour to play here and I’m very happy, but we want more — every athlete does. We want to prove that this is not our limit. We want to compete with the biggest clubs. The pressure is on Atlético. They are playing at home. Our responsibility is to show that we are capable of achieving