By Chris Donald
João Miranda believes Atlético Madrid could compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, as he also looks forward to a Champions League campaign.
Atlético led Madrid in the League for a significant stretch of last season, before eventually Real eventually caught them and took second place behind runaway winners Barcelona.
But, for their Brazilian centre-back, there is a chance that Los Colchoneros can peg them back this term.
The 28-year-old told AS: “With David Villa and a couple more signings, yes, I think we can compete with Barca and Madrid.
“Because they have great squads and we also need a quality workforce so as to fight them on equal terms. Our goal is to fight for the title in every competition that we compete in and the first objective is to win the Supercopa de Espana against Barcelona in August.
“Facing fellow Brazilian Neymar? He is a great player and certainly he will succeed at Barca. I wish him well in the Spanish League, I will follow him and support him, less so when he plays against Atlético…”
Atléti are also back in the Champions League for this season and the Seleção international is looking forward to the challenge.
He added: “When I came to Atletico, my goal was to play in the Champions League. Now I do not just want to play in it, but to have a great campaign.
“We will have to play our best football to pass through the group stage because in knockout matches, our team is very strong and we can beat anyone.”
