Simeone believes Los Blancos and Blaugrana are the most prestigious clubs in La Liga due to their gulf of talents and rich histories.
Both clubs have won the most league trophies and have dominated the domestic scene for many years.
Atletico Madrid have only broken Barcelona and Real Madrid’s duopoly twice in the last decade, thus winning the league in the 2013/2014 and 2020/2021 seasons.
In an interview with the media, Simeone seemed to be playing the victim, insisting that the Catalans and Real Madrid are the best teams in Spain.
He said: “People always think I claim victimhood, but it is true that Real Madrid and Barcelona have almost always been superior.
“It’s the squads, all the years they’ve competed. But, that does not mean that in any given year you will be better.
“It happened in 2014, when we were better. It happened in 2021. We have been better, but that does not mean we are better.
“Real Madrid and Barcelona know they can’t make mistakes. We know our place and we want to improve, but that is not victimhood. Everyone interprets it however they want.
“The reality is that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, PSG, Manchester City, Bayern… They are the historic clubs, but that is not why they will always win.”
