Diego Simeone has hit back at Atletico Madrid's critics after his tactics were slammed in their 1-0 defeat by Manchester City last week.
The Spanish champions failed to muster a single shot on goal at the Etihad Stadium, and now trail ahead of the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano following Kevin De Bruyne's goal.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola criticised Atletico's 'prehistoric, 5-5-0' tactics', and then further vented his frustration by adding it is very difficult to attack against 'two lines of five'.
The Spanish media and former Atletico boss Arrigo Sacchi were also critical of Simeone, but the Argentine refused to exchange insults with them in his pre-match press conference, insisting loose lips sink ships.
'I've been coaching since 2005 and I've never been critical of a colleague. Never,' Simeone said.
'When one despises a colleague, I don't share it. The opinions of journalists or former players, it's like my father used to say: the mouth kills the fish.
'We can all have an opinion, but among colleagues we all have ways, I always respect my colleagues , always always.'
And despite the criticism, Simeone does not see the gameplan changing too much from their exploits at the Etihad Stadium.
'We're not going to stray too far from what we do best,' he added.
'Hopefully we can combine better, with quicker transitions, counter-attacks, that our key players have fantastic nights. It will be about moments. Anything can happen.'
The Spanish champions have also made an appeal to the Court of Arbitration after they were ordered to close part of their stadium for their return clash against City after fans performed Nazi salutes at the first leg.
Atletico will have to ensure at least 5,000 seats – in home areas – are not filled for Wednesday's quarter-final decider at the 68,456-capacity Wanda Metropolitano.
Simeone said: 'I hope it can be resolved so that it is equal for everyone. We only found out yesterday.
'Of course we would like our fans to be there because it is an important game. I hope we can sort everything out so it is even for both teams.'