Diego Simeone: The mastermind behind Atletico's revolution

Diego Simeone, the legendary Argentenian (also known as ‘El Cholo’) has been the man behind Atletico Madrid’s recent renaissance. With victories in championships like UEFA Europa league, Super Cup and Copa Del Rey, the manager has transformed a struggling club into ‘the club with a winning swagger’.
Simone started his international career as a defensive midfielder for Argentina. He was known for building a wall in the defense which would obstruct the free flow of any attacker. Being part of the squad for big championship events like the Copa America, the Summer Olympics and the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, Simeone had built a solid experience in the international space. The midfielder started his managerial stint with the club ‘Racing’ in 2006. Over the period from 2006 to 2011, he attracted a lot of critics for his fighting spirit and ‘Never Say Die’ attitude.  During December 2011, Atletico Madrid was searching for a manager who could revive the team’s chances for glory. After a disappointing season during 2010-11, the club’s fortunes banked on its new coach ‘Diego Pablo Simeone’. However the task for Simeone was never easy, considering the competition from clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid who were at their peaks.
The UEFA Europa League victory over Athletic Bilbao 3-0, was the first successful result from an inspired winning strategy adopted by Simeone. The same team also went on to win UEFA Super Cup by beating Chelsea 4-1. These were the two major titles for ‘El Cholo’, marking the resemblances of an eventful career. The challenges for Simone were herculean given, the quality of players in the other teams in the league. But the Argentenian has reversed the club’s fortunes through his values, energy and enthusiasm that have proved infectious for other teams. Atletico Madrid finished 3rd in 2012-13 La Liga, the club’s best finish in the competition since 1996.
Simeone, has been able to build a team of players who are confident, co-ordinated and determined to face any opposition. The team plays with love and passion for the game coupled with free flow attitude and sharp skills. The dynamic football displayed by the team has become a huge threat for its opponents. He has comprehensively lifted the teams’ performance by following this model. Moreover, he has been able to weigh the success of the team over the preferences of players at an individual level. Simeone, shares a reciprocal trust with the players which brings the best out of them. The fearless attitude of the players has enabled the Atleticos to compete against the European big names for the first time in more than a decade. This has been the most stunning factor for the club’s supporters.
Considering the fact that Atletico Madrid is in 2nd place, the chances of Atletico winning La Liga or even the Champions League looks very much possible.
‘The Golden Aragones era’ might have subsided with his demise, but the making of ‘The Golden Simeone era’ has probably just begun!