Pep Guardiola says the debate regarding the contrasting styles of his Manchester City side and Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid "is stupid."
The reigning champions of England and Spain face off at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie
While Atletico have become famed for their organized and somewhat defensive set-ups, City are considered one of the finest footballing sides anywhere in world football.
However, ahead of facing Simeone for a fourth time in their managerial careers, Guardiola has defended the Argentine's style of play.
"I'm not going to talk one second about this stupid debate," Guardiola said at Monday's pre-match news conference.
"Everyone tries to win the game. If they win they are right, if we win we are right. It's for the players, the difference will be there. Honestly, not one second.
"After watching Atletico there is a misconception, wrong, about the way Simeone plays. It's more offensive than people believe.
"He doesn't want to take a risk in the build up but they have quality in the final third. They know exactly how to play. In the moments of the game, these situations are really good."
Criticism
City have won eight major domestic honours in Guardiola's five full campaigns at the club, but they have yet to lift the Champions League under the Catalan coach.
Guardiola has at times been criticized for overthinking his team selections and he joked he will take a different approach in the first leg against Atletico.
"In the Champions League I always overthink," he said. "There are always new tactics. Tomorrow you will see a new one. I overthink a lot, that's why I have very good results.
"Tonight I take an inspiration and I'm going to do incredible tactics tomorrow. We play with 12 tomorrow!"
