Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted that his team have not always been at their best lately, but said he was proud to be leading them into Wednesday's Copa del Rey semifinal at home to Barcelona, where Blaugrana attacker Lionel Messi would be the greatest danger.
Atletico go into the game in inconsistent form through recent months, but having made it to the last four of a cup competition just as they have in all but one season since Simeone took over as boss in December 2011.
This particular Copa tie brings back memories of recent meetings with Barcelona in the knockout stages of the Champions League, with Atletico emerging victorious on both occasions. The Colchoneros coach told his prematch news conference at the Calderon that this year's clashes were sure to be different, however he was very proud that his team were yet again challenging for a trophy.
"These are different games, a lot has happened since then, good and bad," Simeone said. "As a coach to be five years at a club like Atletico Madrid, with how hard it is to be consistent, and to be able to compete in a sixth semifinal, is something very big.
"I am full of pride and emotion and joy. I do not imagine a better scenario tomorrow for the game than the Calderon. Hopefully tomorrow we can live with the responsibility which comes with that."
Barcelona will travel without injured midfielders Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, but Simeone said the most dangerous thing for his side was that the front three of Luis Suarez, Neymar and especially Lionel Messi were all available.
"The characteristics [of their midfield] will not be the same for sure, but they have have so many options," he said. "But that does not change the three up front -- Messi plays where he can do most damage, and that is difficult to prepare for.
"We are up against the best team in the world, with fantastic players, whoever plays. They have the three up front who decide 80 percent of what happens in a game."
Simeone will be without centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez and forward Angel Correa for the first leg at least, after both picked up injuries in Saturday's La Liga 0-0 at Alaves, a third consecutive draw for the team in all competitions which saw Atletico drop further behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
"I believe we played a good game in Bilbao, were okay in Eibar in the Copa, and bad in Alaves," he said. "I do not know how tomorrow's game will go. [But] our intention is always to give our best in every game.
"The group is working hard, always looking to improve, and our inconsistency this year has put us in this situation. But the feeling of excitement before such an important game is there, for sure."
The Argentine suggested that Yannick Carrasco's angry reaction to being substituted last weekend at Alaves would not be held against him when the team was being chosen.
"When players get angry I am happy," Simeone said. "I supposed it could be with himself as he did not play well, or with his coach, as he wants to play. But I never get worried by such situations."