Simeone says Atletico can compete with Barcelona, deflects Clásico questions

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said his team can compete with Barcelona for the La Liga title while deflecting questions about Sunday's Clásico.

• Simeone said Atletico can compete with Barcelona for the title, adding that Barcelona has a great team.
• Simeone said he focuses only on Saturday's match against Deportivo, not Sunday's Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
• Atletico, second with 22 points, hosts Deportivo on Saturday after five consecutive league wins.
• Simeone said Deportivo played well in all matches and was a difficult opponent in last season's Copa del Rey.