Diego Simeone and Pep Guardiola have marked a before and after in European football. With different paths, each one achieved a success to their measure and of the clubs where they shine for which they became two of the most outstanding coaches of the XXI Century in even remain in the big history. Now, both are again fighting in a series of quarterfinals of the Champions League, which has them directing Atlético de Madrid and Manchetser City, but where there is no hard work left to know the strategies, as well as the coordiality in the press rooms that characterizes them. In that regard, the two introduced themselves and were filled with praise, even with some responses from Pep that drew attention when defending his colleague from the qualification of “defensive”. Thus, not the word of Catalan was how this great back and forth was opened hours after the faces are seen again.
“I’m not going to spend a second on stupid debates. After watching Atletico, I notice that there is a misconception about their way of playing. Simeone is more offensive than people think,” Guardiola told those present and made it clear that “in a style there are many aspects and you can not say that mine is the good and Diego the bad.” We have to do the same because that’s also part of the game. We have to know how to manage the moments. I’m not going to judge for a second what they do. We have to work to bring a good result to Madrid,” he said. Later it was Simeone’s turn to jump to the table and, as usually happens before a duel with Manchester City, he assumed the role of favorite of the English for the series, especially for the irregular walk of his team that little by little was lifting but seems to be far from its best level.
❝With our characteristics and our way of playing for years, we will try to continue competing as we want❞.— @Simeone, about the European commitment we will face against @ManCityES — Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti)
April 4, 2022
“I have no doubt that City have extraordinary players. And he has better players than us,” he said, adding: “What I like most about teams that play well like City is the effort to get the ball back. It’s nice to see him play.” Regarding the duel of respected enetrenadores, he maintained a position similar to that of his colleague, with whom he has had several sports crosses on and off the court. “Guardiola and I are not the stars of the game. Both City and Atletico have different characteristics. Tomorrow will be a game of the players,” he concluded. This Tuesday, April 5, will be the start of the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League and the Etihad Stadium will dress up for the initial crossing between the two teams, which will close the key at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on Wednesday, April 13.
