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When Atletico de Madrid beat Juventus 2-0 in the 1st leg of the round of 16 of the 2019 Champions League, the celebrations were like crazy, and one man in specific was targeted by these crazy celebrations. Cristiano Ronaldo. Because although he had left Spain and was no longer playing at Real Madrid, the Atletico Madrid fans (and even players) just couldn’t forget everything he did to them for NINE LONG YEARS. *But Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, went over the top with his celebrations. He wasn’t just extremely inappropriate in expressing himself, but he seemed to forget about that 2nd leg game in Italy. Because when in that 2nd leg, Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his greatest ever hattricks to help Juventus pull-off an incredible comeback, he responded to Simeone with an even bigger celebration. And sure, he was fined by UEFA, but the impressive victory, followed by the celebration, was Ronaldo’s ultimate revenge to Simeone.
Now that wasn’t the only time Diego Simeone had been heartbroken by Real Madrid. For a guy who was only 60 seconds away from becoming the only non-European manager in UEFA Champions League history to win the tournament, a 93rd minute header by Sergio Ramos equalized the game, sent it to extra time, and eventually saw Real Madrid beat Atleti to win their first Champions League in 12 long years.
But despite the heartbreaks, the constant challenges, and those two Champions League final defeats against Real Madrid, Diego Simeone has established a remarkable coaching record at Atletico. Because for a guy playing in a league with two of the best teams in the world, Real Madrid and Barcelona, beating those two football giants is never anything easy. But he not only defeated them, but in doing so, he was able to win 2 La Ligas, a Copa Del Rey, and a Supercopa de España. And even in Europe, he won 2 Europa Leagues and 2 UEFA Super Cups.
So, when it comes to success, sure, Diego Simeone is considered to be successful given the good number of trophies he won despite the fierce competition both in Spain and Europe. But as a manager, is he as talented and skilled as Ancelloti, Guardiola and Klopp? Does he have the coaching abilities these great managers have? He’s beaten each and every one of them, so the short answer is yes*
But for a guy who has been accused of wasting time, complaining about referees, and even telling his players to physically abuse opponents (pictures: Phil Foden & Jack Grealish), it seems that very often Diego Simeone will resort to dirty tactics. This is a guy who’s sooo ridiculous that he once told a ball boy to throw a ball on the pitch to disrupt the opponent’s counterattack.
So, when it comes to dirty tactics, Diego Simeone is a Master. But even when he wins fair and square, it’s without playing “proper football”. Even the great Jurgen Klopp backed this opinion when he said ‘I don't know why Atletico don't play proper football’? “With the quality of players they have, they should play proper football instead of standing deep in their own half and relying on counter attacks”.
So can old school tactics of defense, counter attacks and set pieces keep up with today’s modern football? Can defensive coaches like Diego Simeone, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte keep up with the likes of Carlo Ancelloti, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp?