More than twelve years ago, before he could save Atlético de Madrid from the abyss, Simeone called Guardiola to witness a training session for that irreplaceable Barça. The Argentine didn’t leave in amazement at his colleague’s proposal nor did he stop: “I don’t like it,” he honestly told her. This is not a lantern. Although he devotes himself to his work with the same passion as Pep, he understands the game in a different way. Neither better nor worse. different.
City played at the Etihad, but if not for an inspired De Bruyne, the essence of an Atlético de Madrid has succeeded, going to Manchester for fewer things to happen, the better. The Belgian SUV broke Simeone’s plan. Up to 1-0, however, the mattress box was a labyrinth with no way out for those at home. Trapped in the back, he chooses to disrupt a City that is accustomed to giving rhythm and intensity to his elaborate idea.
Atlético suffered, knowing Manchester was a visit to the dentist as Caparrós once referred to before visiting Camp Nou. However, until de Bruyne’s explosion, it was the opposite. Full control of the city contrasts with the sense of calm with which the Madrid team will face the clash. Guardiola’s catechism for the ball didn’t drive Simeone crazy, who welcomed the passive role as he did in 2016 against Pep’s Bayern.
When the clash threatened to be more tense than expected after Correa unnecessarily hit Grealish, Guardiola and Simeone entered the scene to bring sanity. The Santpedor man quickly separated his footballer and Cholo did the same to him. A great way to calm things down in a difficult moment of the night where Atlético de Madrid had the risk of breaking down and making the tie more complicated.
Atlético de Madrid are not alone in Manchester. Supported by 2,500 fans, he didn’t sign the draw he was looking for but he was able to stay alive in the tie. He survived the Etihad with courage and heart: “Ole, ole, ole, Cholo Simeone”, sang the mattress to his coach, who never fooled anyone on the pitch. Nor does he want to be Guardiola, nor does he pretend to be like that. Just because you don’t have the same beliefs as them. Just because they think differently.
Source: La Verdad
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