Arda: Atletico favourites for derby
The playmaker is bullish about los Rojiblancos' chances in the Madrid derby and pumped up his team-mates with a rousing speech
Arda Turan insists Atletico Madrid should not envy Barcelona or Real Madrid and says his side are favourites ahead of Sunday's clash with their arch-rivals.

Carlo Ancelotti's side travel to the Vicente Calderon for the capital clash boasting a three-point advantage at the league summit.

But Arda insists he is not daunted by the task of facing their fierce rivals after pointing out how his team have proven more than a match for los Blancos on several occasions already.

"It's hard to pick a favourite in a derby, but playing at the Calderon, we're favourites because we're at home," the Turkish midfielder told Marca.

"I've never considered playing for another team. Atletico has nothing to envy Barcelona or Real Madrid. We've already shown how to beat Madrid and we've done it twice.

"We have to be ourselves and fight with blood, sweat and tears. We have to play our game. They have more talented players, but we're fearless.

"We aren't scared of them. We've already beaten them, both in the league and the cup. An Atletico player must never be scared."

Los Rojiblancos have successfully strung together an unlikely title challenge this season and Arda has put the secret down to Diego Simeone's presence in the dugout.

"The coach works and studies all the details. Simeone speaks from his heart and knows how to get the best out of his players," he concluded.

"What's most important is that he's a good man. If something ever happened to you, he would never abandon you."