Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has insisted that the Spanish champions can deal with the added weight of expectation.

Last season, Atleti won their first La Liga title since 1996, in addition to reaching the final of the Champions League.

That has raised expectation from supporters and critics alike, but Koke is confident that the capital outfit have the quality to enjoy another successful campaign.

"The pressure from the people is very noticeable, but on the pitch we are focused because it's 111 against 11. We have to deliver for what the manager wants. We always play like this – our stadium holds a fierce atmosphere and we're used to that. That's why we are not intimidated when we are out there," Inside Spanish Football quotes Koke as saying.

Atletico return to Champions League action on Wednesday with a trip to Bayer Leverkusen for the first leg of their last-16 clash.