Simeone's Top Teams: Barcelona Praised, Real Madrid Omitted
Diego Simeone, head coach of Atlético Madrid, recently identified Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Manchester City as the world's top football teams, notably excluding Real Madrid from his list.
In a recent interview with Telemundo Deportes, Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético Madrid, shared his views on the current top football teams globally. He expressed particular admiration for Barcelona, a team his squad is set to face next week. Simeone stated, 'I have great appreciation for Barcelona; their style of play is commendable.' He highlighted Barcelona's high-pressing approach, advanced defensive line, and the integration of young talents under Hansi Flick's leadership.
Simeone also praised Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona's prolific striker, noting the team's attractive and dynamic football. He emphasized their effective one-on-one plays, intense pressing, and strategic exploitation of spaces behind the defense.
Beyond Barcelona, Simeone acknowledged Inter Milan and Manchester City as two other teams currently in exceptional form. He commended Inter Milan for their cohesive performance under Simone Inzaghi, achieving significant milestones such as reaching the Champions League final and clinching the Serie A title, all without relying on a single global superstar.
Regarding Manchester City, Simeone pointed out the challenges posed by the absence of key player Rodri, underscoring the importance of having players who can effectively execute tactical plans on the field. He described Rodri as the pivotal link between City's defense and attack, suggesting that his absence has compelled Pep Guardiola to seek new solutions.
Interestingly, Simeone did not mention Real Madrid when discussing the top teams, a notable omission given the longstanding rivalry between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid. This exclusion has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about Simeone's criteria for excellence in contemporary football.