Atletico Madrid vs Santander preview - Manzano guards against complacency

Posted Sunday, September 18, 2011 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Gregorio Manzano has warned his team not to under-estimate Racing Santander when Hector Cuper's side visit the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

Both teams head into the encounter having picked up only one point so far from two games, with the capital club having failed to score on either occasion.

Los Rojiblancos will be buoyed by Thursday night's 2-0 Europa League victory over Celtic, but Manzano has called for maximum concentration from his players this weekend if they want to pick up their first win of the season in La Liga.

"You have to contain the euphoria," he said. "It is September 17 and we will not be shouting from the rooftops because we have not achieved anything.

"The team has not even had 10 days working together. We need time to adapt and grow. I hope we will gradually get there."

He continued: "I was glad that the euphoria has moved to our people, but I hope it is not over the top.

"Do not think that we can beat Racing without getting off the bus.

"Any first team in the Primera Division is difficult and complicated because they have ability. We could not beat Osasuna [goalless home draw on August 28].

"We have to work hard in all aspects and dedicate ourselves 100%."

Joel Robles, Filipe Luis, Juanfran and Jorge Pulido return to the Atletico squad after missing the Celtic game.

Racing midfielder Pedro Munitis - his team's best performer in the dull 0-0 draw with Levante last weekend - is doubtful after injuring his ankle in training. He could be replaced by Domingo Cisma.

The visitors will also be missing the suspended Papa Kouli Diop and the injured Gonzalo Colsa and Marc Torrejon.