Atletico Madrid Are Becoming Underdogs Again...and That's How They Like It

Diego Simeone insists the champions of Spain, his Atletico Madrid team, are competing for a place in the Champions League this season and aren't thinking about defending their title. 

He said, per Sport: "Valencia have reinforced well and Sevilla are improving very well under Emery. I am convinced that this is our fight. The object is the Champions League."

That's all very well, but the fact is that anything less than a title challenge and a strong run in the Champions League from Atletico Madrid should be seen as failure.

There's no doubt that Simeone has a point, when he speaks about his side being at a distinct financial disadvantage, compared to Real Madrid and Barcelona, the teams ahead of his in La Liga.

Last season he branded Spanish football "boring" and added, per Sky Sports: "We'll have to wait for a different distribution of television money because now the league is only of two."

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There's something of the Jose Mourinho variety about Simeone. Last season was probably the most interesting La Liga season for years, and it culminated with his Atletico side earning a draw in the Camp Nou on the last day, lifting the title.

Lifting the title in theory anyway, due to an administrative error, of which there are plenty in Spain, the trophy itself could not be presented to Atletico until the start of this season.

That, too, was probably something that Simeone used to motivate his players for the season ahead.

Atletico Madrid under Simeone function best when they are not expected to succeed.

Last season, the key player was Diego Costa. He's a striker who thrives when everything is against him.

Costa is the football-player version of Simeone and Mourinho's personalities.

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Having lost him to Chelsea in the summer, the Atletico Madrid coach needed to ensure Costa's spirit prevailed in his squad.

With the likes of Gabi, Koke and Tiago all loyal to the cause, that hasn't been a problem.

Simeone has upset the balance in the capital, with Atletico Madrid now seen as a real threat to Real Madrid, whereas before, Los Blancos were the clear favourites in every Madrid derby.

Atletico have more finesse about them this season, with Antoine Griezmann adding plenty of skill to the attack that was missing at times last year.

"Griezmann can play second striker, and does it very well because he is a smart guy," Simeone said, per ESPN.

"He works for the team because he plays well with through balls and I'm convinced that in that area is much more decisive than when playing on the wing because he's away from the goal."

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But having players like Griezmann and new signing Cani, doesn't dilute the general hard-working ethic of Simeone's side.

His men come to life in games where people think that they will not prosper.

Atletico take on Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night and might find things tougher going than they would against tougher teams.

They, as finalists in the competition last season, will be expected to take the initiative. They are equipped to do so now too.

However, their recent defeat by Celta Vigo, while a blow for their title hopes, may foster the spirit Simeone wants in the dressing room, the spirit he wants to seep through the veins of his players.

Their 3-0 win over Almeria this weekend put them back in business, with Griezmann netting twice to make it 17 for the season so far.

Mario Mandzukic, the real replacement for Costa, scored from the spot to take his tally to 20.

While Atletico have a little bit more style about them this season, the ingredients are still the same. And being the underdog is Simeone's favoured recipe for success.