Diego Simeone paid tribute to the "work, dedication and commitment" of Koke, with the Atletico Madrid icon set to make his 700th appearance for the club.
The veteran skipper, who has spent his entire career with Los Rojiblancos, is set to reach a significant milestone when Simeone's side face Getafe on Sunday.
Now 33 years of age, Koke has played 11 times for Atletico in the Spanish top flight this season, and Simeone heaped praise on the two-time LaLiga winner.
"We have spoken about Koke quite a few times," the head coach said. "We continue to add words of gratitude to his work, dedication and commitment to the club.
"He still gives us important things for the good of the team, and I don't want to assess if any player can achieve [700 appearances] because it would be imagining."
Atletico will be without Jan Oblak for the trip to Estadio Coliseum, with the goalkeeper having sustained an injury while on international duty with Slovenia.
But Simeone confirmed son Giuliano could still feature for the visitors.
"Oblak is not going to participate [on Sunday]," he added. "Giuliano is going to be called up, and we will see how his recovery, which has been very good, continues. We will decide [on Sunday] if he starts or waits."
Atletico are aiming to record their fifth straight league win when they travel to eighth-placed Getafe, who have won two of their last three domestic outings.
The hosts were also 2-1 winners when the sides met at Estadio Coliseum last season, so Simeone is well aware of the task his players face.
"We don't stop at last season's game," the Atletico boss added. "We look at Getafe's moment today and ours.
"Getafe continue to evolve year after year in the competition, they have in all the games they play. We are going to have a tough, difficult and competitive opponent."
Smile. Atleti plays tomorrowpic.twitter.com/tGSWu2aTUq
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 22, 2025
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Getafe – Luis Milla
Milla has played an instrumental role for Getafe this season, registering the joint-most assists in LaLiga with six (along with Marcus Rashford).
Those assists have earned his side more points than any other player in the competition this term (seven).
Atletico Madrid – Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann has demonstrated his credentials as an impact player this season.
He has been directly involved in four goals from the bench, with only Marseille's Robinio Vaz (five) bettering that tally among players in the big five European leagues.
MATCH PREDICTION – ATLETICO MADRID WIN
Simeone has won 20 of his 25 LaLiga meetings with Getafe (drawn four, lost one), his most victories against a single opponent in the competition. He has also beaten Jose Bordalas more often than any other manager in the Spanish top flight (10).
Atletico, unbeaten in their last 11 LaLiga matches, have won 12 of their 20 LaLiga visits to the Coliseum, with only Real Madrid (13) registering more victories there in the competition.
Los Rojiblancos are looking to find the net in each of their opening 13 matches of a LaLiga campaign for the first time since 1978-79.
Getafe have won just one of their last 24 Madrid derbies in LaLiga (drawn eight, lost 15). By contrast, Simeone's side have lost only two of their last 20 such fixtures (won 10, drawn eight).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Getafe – 21.3%
Draw – 25.6%
Atletico Madrid – 53.1%