Atletico de Madrid midifielder Koke has warned Real Madrid that their city rivals are ready to compete for the La Liga title this season.
Los Rojiblancos won the title in 2014 but finished third last season having lost some key men from their title winning campaign.
But the Vicente Calderon side have been busy in the transfer window, with Los Colchoneros boss Diego Simeone strengthening his side with the likes of Jackson Martinez from Porto and Luciano Vietto moving to the Vicente Calderon.
Speaking to i3 Sports, Koke said the squad has been lifted by the signings and is ready for a title challenge again.
The 23-year-old stated: “The team are training well and working really, really hard, and I believe that this season we can compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Last year we finished as champions, but in the past season it was Barcelona and Real Madrid all over again.
“We’ve had a lot of good changes recently, so I think that this season we can do something important. I really think the new players can bring some positive changes to the team.”
Atletico kick off their league campaign with a home game against newly-promoted Las Palmas on August 22.
