Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has returned the compliment paid to him by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti described Simeone as 'one of the best coaches in the world' during his press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg between the two Spanish rivals.

Now, Simeone has returned the compliment, claiming that he has "great admiration" for the Italian.

"I have great admiration for him firstly as a man; somehow who is respected and does not change his tune neither in victory or defeat. Carlo is one of the best and it's a privilege to go up against him," Inside Spanish Football quotes the Argentine as saying.

Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in last season's Champions League final.