Diego Simeone Chokes Up After Historic 700th Game in Charge of Atlético Madrid
It was a night of high drama and raw emotion at the Civitas Metropolitano as Atlético Madrid pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Alavés in LaLiga. But the real story wasn’t just the result—it was the man on the sidelines, Diego Simeone, who reached an extraordinary milestone: his 700th game in charge of Atlético Madrid. The Argentine manager, known for his fiery passion and tactical brilliance, showed a rare vulnerable side that left fans and pundits alike buzzing.
A Managerial Milestone Like No Other
Let’s put this into perspective: Simeone is the first manager in LaLiga history to reach 700 games with a single club. That’s over a decade of prowling the Atlético dugout, barking orders, and orchestrating one of the most remarkable transformations in modern football. Since taking over in December 2011, Simeone has turned Atlético from a chaotic, underperforming side into a European powerhouse. Under his leadership, the club has won two LaLiga titles, two Europa Leagues, one Copa del Rey, and reached two Champions League finals. Not too shabby for a team that used to live in the shadow of their city rivals, Real Madrid.
Saturday’s game was a perfect encapsulation of the Simeone era: gritty, determined, and full of fight. Atlético trailed 1-0 for much of the match, but as they’ve done so many times under their iconic manager, they clawed their way back. Goals from Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata sealed the win, extending their streak to five consecutive victories in LaLiga. The result keeps Atlético firmly in the hunt for another league title, and it’s clear that Simeone’s “game by game” philosophy is still paying dividends.
“I Love the Place Where I Am”
While the comeback win was impressive, it was Simeone’s post-match interview that stole the headlines. Speaking to DAZN alongside former Atlético player Juanfran Torres, the 54-year-old manager was asked about his feelings regarding the inevitable day when he will no longer be at the club. That’s when the usually stoic Simeone showed a side of himself that fans rarely see.
“I am living the moment. My players are working hard and interpreting what we need and want,” Simeone began, his voice steady at first. But as he continued, the emotion began to overwhelm him. “I am calm. I am at peace. I am in the place where I want,” he said, before his voice broke. Fighting back tears, he added, “I love, I love the place where I am.” Then, in a moment that will be replayed countless times, he abruptly ended the interview, saying, “and that’s it, ciao,” before handing the microphone to Juanfran and walking away.
It was a powerful moment that underscored just how much Atlético Madrid means to Simeone. For a man who has built his career on intensity and control, this rare display of vulnerability was a reminder that even the toughest figures in football are human.
The Legacy of El Cholo
Simeone’s impact on Atlético Madrid cannot be overstated. When he arrived in 2011, the club was in disarray, struggling to compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Fast forward to 2024, and Atlético is a consistent force in both domestic and European competitions. Simeone’s tactical acumen, combined with his ability to instill a never-say-die attitude in his players, has made him one of the most respected managers in the game.
Here’s a quick look at what Simeone has achieved during his tenure:
- 2 LaLiga titles: Breaking the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
- 2 Europa League titles: Cementing Atlético’s status as a European contender.
- 1 Copa del Rey: A memorable triumph in 2013.
- 2 Champions League finals: Narrowly missing out on Europe’s biggest prize.
And let’s not forget the countless individual accolades and the respect he’s earned from players, fans, and fellow managers. Simeone’s contract runs through June 2027, and while there’s no indication that he’s planning to leave anytime soon, his emotional reaction on Saturday has sparked plenty of speculation about what the future holds.
What’s Next for Atlético and Simeone?
For now, Atlético fans can rest easy knowing that their beloved “El Cholo” isn’t going anywhere. The club has shown no signs of wanting a change, and there’s been no chatter in the media about a potential departure. But as Simeone himself acknowledged, nothing lasts forever. When the day does come for him to step away, it will mark the end of an era—not just for Atlético Madrid, but for LaLiga as a whole.
Until then, Simeone remains the beating heart of Atlético Madrid, a club that mirrors his own personality: passionate, relentless, and unyielding. Saturday’s win over Alavés was more than just three points; it was a celebration of a manager who has given everything to his team and a reminder of why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it.
As the final whistle blew and the fans roared their approval, one thing was clear: Diego Simeone isn’t just a manager—he’s a legend.
Originally Written by: N/A
