AS.com

Diego Simeone is looking forward to Atlético Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-final tie with Sevilla at the Vicente Calderón with optimism and has called on all 'Rojiblancos' fans to show their support in the stadium on Thursday.

"The game will be very special, semi-finals don't come around very often," said the Argentine coach in a press conference a day before the game.

"I hope that the fans really get behind us because it's very special when the fans and the team are united."

Simeone spent two years at Seville before joining Atlético Madrid in 1994 and said that he still holds a special place in his heart for the Andalusian team.

"I still remember the supporters fondly, above all their colour and their enthusiasm and the reception they used to give me. I still have great memories of my time at Sevilla."

Simeone hinted that Radamel Falcao would not play against Sevilla because he is still recovering from a hamstring tear sustained against Levante 10 days ago.

"Falcao is to Atlético what Cristiano Ronaldo is to Real Madrid or what Leo Messi is to Barcelona," he said. "He's a decisive player but we only want him to play when he is ready, not a second before."

The coach also played down the speculation linking midfielder Emre to a move back to Fenerbahçe before the January transfer window shuts.

"Right now Emre is an Atlético Madrid player and that is how I still think of him," he insisted.