You might hate them but you can’t beat them. Diego Simeoné’s Atletico Madrid have proved it time and time again that you don’t need an attractive all out attacking style of football to win matches and trophies. Simeone’s men currently reside in 2nd spot behind the League Leaders Barcelona and just ahead of city rivals Real Madrid. Atletico’s excellent run of form has landed them a place in the Champions League final twice in three years where they face yet again Real Madrid.
A lot of people think that Atleti don’t get the praise that other teams get for achieving all this. They have spent lesser than their rivals in La Liga, have made profits selling players like Courtouis, Arda Turan and many other superstars and are still producing the goods. This owes mainly due to their defensive style of football which though not as much as a treat to watch than attacking football, is something that gets them the points and glory. Here are some of the superstars who have voiced their opinion regarding Simeone’s style of football and the general way the Argentine conducts his business
Here’s what one of world’s best footballer had to say
‘Atletico do not play attractive football,’ Ronaldo said.
‘They are very defensive. They are always waiting for set-pieces, but it works well for them. You must respect their players and their coach.’
Former Barcelona captain Xavi didn’t share the same opinion as Ronaldo
‘I do not enjoy watching teams that close up,’ he said.
‘At the World Cup, we won 1-0, 1-0, 1-0 – but playing good football. Simeone’s great strength is that he counteracts his opponents’ strengths.’
The Chilean, Arturo Vidal, who recently lost to Atleti in the semi-final of the Champions League held nothing back to portray his disgust against Atleti’s brand of football
‘They are going to be dreaming about us right up to the final. They did not have the ball, they took on the best team in the world, they took their chances and got to the final.
‘The best does not always win in football, like today. They are not deserved finalists.’
Former Manchester United captain and their star defender Rio Ferdinand find Atleti’s defensive style a treat to watch
‘I think it’s great to see. Some people only want to see attacking, thrilling football that the Barcelona’s of this world play and the Bayern’s but I’m equally as turned on as this type of football too.’
We can praise or criticise Simeone’s tactics all day long but the bottom line is – 2nd in the League and Champions League finalists no matter what.
