Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone recently signed a new deal with the Spaniards, keeping him at the Vicente Calderon until 2020 to the delight of the supporters. The 44-year-old revealed his excitement to be extended his stay with Atleti, saying “I am here because I’m convinced the club will continue to grow,” but how good a manager is he?
Since Simeone’s appointment in 2011, the Rojiblancos have won the La Liga title (2013–14), Copa del Rey (2012–13), Supercopa de España (2014), UEFA Europa League (2011–12), UEFA Super Cup (2012), and were UEFA Champions League Runners-up (2013–14). And with Simeone himself winning back-to-back La Liga Coach of the Year awards (2012/13 & 2013/14) have Atletico tied down the best young manager in the world for another five years?
Borussia Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp (47), Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola (44) are regarded among the best young managers (under the age of 50) in the world, given their title-winning exploits and impressive results in Europe, but Simeone has been working such wonders on a tiny budget, while retaining better consistency than Klopp most notably this season. He also didn’t inherit a treble-winning side like Guardiola did at Bayern, nor had a sleeping giant in Barcelona as his first big job. Simeone worked his way up to this moment, managing Racing (2006 & 2011), Estudiantes (2006/07), River Plate (2007/08), San Lorenzo (2009/10), and Catania (2011).
With a 64% win ratio at Atleti, Simeone has turned his former playing club into a real European heavyweight. They never had history in the Champions League, but now are among the favourites to go all the way. Considering that Simeone has taken the club forward while the likes of Radamel Falcao, Sergio Aguero, David De Gea, Filipe Luis, Martin Demichelis and Diego Costa have been sold in recent years, it speaks to Simeone’s mental toughness and abilities as a coach to continue their gradual progression.
Last season was the best campaign of the Argentine’s career, and of Atleti’s modern-day history. They bested Barcelona and Real Madrid to win the La Liga title on the final day of the league season. They also made the Champions League final, and were seconds of winning the trophy, before Real took the tile to extra time. It’s hard enough keeping a club stable when the best players are continuously sold, but it’s a monumental achievement to actually improve without such talented individuals.
This season, Atletico Madrid are 4th in the La Liga table after 28 games, but are only five points off second placed Real Madrid, while boasting much better form than their fierce rivals. Simeone recently revealed he’d turned down offers from Manchester City to remain in Spain, and it’s clear the young coach is destined to become one of the greatest in history if he can build on a fantastic four years under his belt with Atleti.
Is Diego Simeone the best young coach in the world?
