Diego Simeone gets into it on Atletico Madrid style debate

Atletico Madrid shot to La Liga glory, and got here inside moments of European glory beneath Diego Simeone, enjoying a compact and aggressive system that grew to become generally known as ‘Cholismo’. Nevertheless current years, with Los Rojiblancos stumbling in opposition to groups enjoying comparable techniques, has seen loads of pundits query whether or not Simeone ought to adapt his model to grow to be extra free-flowing.

It has grow to be one thing of an inflammatory subject on the Metropolitano, with many followers snug with Simeone’s model when it brings outcomes, however demanding extra when it doesn’t come off. Equally, with Atletico typically spending extra on gifted forwards than defenders in current seasons, it has additionally been thought of out loud if a special model won’t go well with his assets higher.

Talking in an interview with Cadena Cope, Simeone himself responded to the accusation that he was a ‘defensive coach’.

🚨 Diego Simeone: “We’re going through gamers like Raphinha, Lamine, Lewandowski, Mbappé, Vinicius, Bellingham… In fact we compete, and we’ll hold competing. We even beat Barça with Messi and Madrid with Cristiano. If we give 110%, we are able to. If we give 80%, we are able to’t.”@partidazocope pic.twitter.com/i5jENWWfcb

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 10, 2025

“I’m a coach, in any case. That subject is boring, as a result of what does it imply to be defensive?”

‘It’s a problem for us’ – Simeone on altering opinions on Atletico

Observers of Atletico through the years will verify that his aspect play in a really totally different method to a decade in the past. But Simeone nonetheless battles one other quip that his aspect don’t look to kill the sport when in entrance, as an alternative defending a lead.

“It’s a problem for us to maintain attempting to alter the face of what they assume they see, nevertheless it’s probably not there. Then there are the tastes and emotions that come up from sure nuances. Final yr we scored 113 objectives. What does it imply to be defensive?”

By way of whether or not Simeone is looking for a change in model, he famous that he was attempting to tailor his method to his gamers.

Diego Simeone enjoys watching Hansi Flick’s aspect. #Barca #Atleti pic.twitter.com/k2rGNVBNdG

— Soccer España (@footballespana_) September 10, 2025

“It is dependent upon the gamers who arrive. The soccer of 2014 is nothing like in the present day’s; it is dependent upon the traits of the gamers.”

On their present plight, after simply two factors from 9 to open the season, Simeone defined he was nonetheless looking for the correct solutions.

“When the workforce isn’t getting outcomes, the coach must be as self-critical as we’re. We’re attempting to enhance the workforce, and we’re going to enhance it.

Alexander Sorloth and Antoine Griezmann on the bench

Two extra speaking factors from the early going have been the function of Alexander Sorloth, who has solely performed greater than 45 minutes in one in every of their video games up to now, and that of Antoine Griezmann, who has been on the bench for all three. Whereas Sorloth is eager to be beginning video games, the numbers present a bigger affect when he comes off the bench.

“He’s extremely vital. When he comes on, he’s totally different; the sport is damaged, and he can play on the counterattack. He’s going to be essential.”

Whereas with Griezmann, who was talked about as a possible departure this summer time, Simeone highlighted his management expertise.

“Griezmann and Koke are vital after they’re right here. We’ve spoken loads with each of them and we need to make them really feel vital, whether or not they’re out the tream or in it. They know why they’re right here and why we want them.”

Simeone additionally went on to verify that he stormed out of a gathering with UEFA referees, who had been on the Atletico coaching floor to debate adjustments to the notorious double-touch rule. Los Rojiblancos are again in motion in opposition to Villarreal on Saturday night time.