Diego Simeone calls for realism

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted that he does not welcome title talk from the club's supporters.

Atletico currently sit second in La Liga, level on points with leaders Barcelona and one point ahead of third-place Real Madrid after 20 matches.

However, Simeone has urged the fans to "relax" and called for realistic expectations in the second part of the season.

"The fans want to believe that Atletico Madrid can win La Liga and I don't like that because if not, it would be seen as a failure," he told Cuatro.

"I don't want to build up false expectations. I don't think it's fair to dream. Dreaming is for the fans. I urge the fans to relax, don't listen to everything you hear and look at the reality that we have, game by game."

Atletico face Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday.