Atletico de Madrid’s head coach Diego Simeone has achieved remarkable success since taking over the team in 2011. With eight trophies under his belt, he is now the most successful manager in the history of the club. Simeone’s impact on Atletico as a player and coach has solidified his legendary status. However, there are some lesser-known facts about the Argentinian tactician that make his journey even more intriguing.
Before Simeone became a La Liga-winning coach, he was a formidable midfielder who secured a La Liga and Copa del Rey double with Atletico de Madrid in 1995/96, even scoring in the final match that clinched the title. His skill as a mobile, technical, and aggressive box-to-box midfielder set the stage for his successful coaching career.
In his early years, Simeone’s unwavering confidence in his future as a professional footballer was evident when he and a teammate arrived late to a Argentina U20 team practice due to a misunderstanding. Despite the setback, he boldly declared to a bus driver that he would one day play for Argentina, leaving a lasting impression.
When Atletico de Madrid reached out to Simeone in December 2011, he didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. Despite the challenge of facing players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as coaching stars like Radamel Falcao, his family’s excitement mirrored his own as he embarked on this new adventure.
Throughout his tenure, Simeone has not only earned eight trophies but also broken records, including surpassing legendary coach Luis Aragones for the most victories and holding the record for the most consecutive matchdays as head coach at a La Liga club. His influence has also elevated Atletico to the top 15 of UEFA’s club coefficient rankings and contributed to the successful transition to the new Civitas Metropolitano stadium.
Diego Simeone’s journey from a La Liga champion as a player to a record-breaking coach at Atletico de Madrid reflects his unwavering determination and strategic brilliance. It is this combination of talent and vision that has cemented his status as a club legend and one of the most successful tacticians in the world.
