Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says Tuesday's Champions League opener at Olympiakos could well be one of the toughest tests his side will face in Group A.
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Runners-up last campaign, Atletico come into this year's tournament as one of the favourites, and are expected to qualify easily from the group alongside Serie A champions Juventus.
Los Colchoneros are also buoyant having started the season with Spanish Super Cup and La Liga wins over neighbours Real Madrid, despite having lost key players including Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois during the summer.
The Argentine coach told his pregame news conference that his side had to be fully focused for the game against the Greek champions and not take anything for granted.
"We know that this is starting again," Simeone said. "The past Champions League, [as last season's] league and the Copa del Rey, where we reached the semifinals, were very good but they are over.
"Now we live day-to-day and we know that it's a very tough competition and we have to give each game its individual attention. We need to play a good match, be strong and know how to play the game. This is possibly one of the most difficult games of the group, because of the stadium, the atmosphere and the intensity of the opponent."
Although new signings including Italian attacker Alessio Cerci and Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak have been tipped to start the game, Simeone would not discuss his likely lineup.
"Tonight and tomorrow we'll decide what's the best way to deal with a very difficult match," he said. "We are still building the team, trying to fit in those who have arrived with the others. But the style is not changing, the way of playing is not negotiable. I believe that is the strong point of the team."
The former Argentina international did say he had liked the shape of his team during the second half of Saturday's 2-1 La Liga win at Real Madrid, when Koke played in deep midfield allowing substitutes Arda Turan and Antoine Griezmann to also feature in a more attack-minded side.
"The other day, Koke's presence in the midfield balanced us more in the game," Simeone said. "That allowed us to start having the possibility of the full-backs attacking more evenly. With the entrance of Arda and Griezmann, the team's style was more fluid. Then when Arda scored we sent on Mario Suarez, and Koke returned to his former place [on the wing]. You have to do what is right for the moment."
Simeone also had praise for Olympiakos' coach Michel, a former Madrid player and Sevilla coach, who last season guided the team through a group including Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and Anderlecht, and then beat Manchester United 2-0 at home in the last 16.
"We have met as players and as coaches," the ex-Atletico midfielder said. "He has done well with the Greek team. He came in when they were on the way to winning the title, and finished the job. They improved a lot in the Champions League last year. They have a well-defined style of play, incision on the wings, people in the centre, an experienced defence. He is doing excellent work."