Zinedine Zidane’s use of the Br azilian has impressed ‘Cholo’ who expects Los Blancos to be the side trying at attack more.
With just one day to go until the Champions League final in Milan, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone highlighted the impact Casemiro has had on the Real Madrid.
The two sides face off at the San Siro on Saturday evening with the Rojiblancos having lost to their great rivals in the final two years ago, though Atleti are unbeaten in their last six matches against Los Blancos.
Simeone did highlight the difference in the Real team since his opposite number Zinedine Zidane put Br azilian Casemiro into the starting eleven.
"It’s amazing the work Zidane’s done; he’s taken the decision to rely on Casemiro, which has changed the team," the Argentine told reporters.
"He didn’t allow the past of the club to affect him, and that’s making him an important coach. For the balance of the side, Casemiro is their most important player, certainly."
"Casemiro allows them to regroup better if they lose the ball and maintain their offensive potential."
Moving onto the topic of tactics Simeone was clear that both teams will likely stick to similar ways of playing, and doesn’t see much between the two sides.
"I’m always looking forward, trying to find the best for each situation," he went on. "If you think we’re superstitious, you under-estimate the work we’re carrying out. The beginning of the game will be very tense, very even."
"Whoever wins the early battles in midfield will have an advantage .Madrid, with their technical qualities, might try to play more."
The desire to win is a trait Simeone has deeply engrained in his players, and this he feels this coupled with the resolve the group has, could give them an advantage.
"To play a final is absolutely fantastic; to win it is even better," Simeone said. "That experience makes you want to continue those moments."
"It’s not easy. You have to pick yourself up, keep inventing yourself, change the players but not change the commitment, the values, the work."
"If you keep working, you’re insistent, you can achieve things. Football is wonderful; when you share a passion, it brings you together."
Finally, Simeone had a simple message: "Only winning would make us happy. Only that."