Simeone: Beyond the Tactic Board

Atletico de Madrid seems to be a whole new team after the arrival of Diego “El Cholo” Siomeone to the bench. For the first time in years the red-and-white team seems to have confidence in their game. Since Simeone took charge of the team, they have allowed only 1 goal in 6 games. It’s hard to think that this is the same team that Gregorio Manzano managed just weeks ago.

But was Manzano that bad of a coach? Look at his 2010 performance with Mallorca and you’ll find the answer. Putting a team with few resources in the Europa League with nothing but good game should be proof of what he can do. So the question is: why didn’t it work with Atletico? Many may point at his tactics but I believe the answer lies way beyond the tactics board.

Tactics play an important role in the game. It represents the personality of the team and what they stand for. For Real Madrid is the ultimate defense-to-offense transition (counter attack). For Barcelona is the dominant passing style. For the Greek national team of 2004 it was all about defending and while many hated that display, it is a valid philosophy. But all of this means nothing if your team doesn’t understand and, more importantly, doesn’t believe in the philosophy. That’s the true job of a coach, managing every player to maximize his talent in order to collaborate to the grand design of the tactics.

This is the main difference between Simeone’s Atletico and Manzano’s. Simeone has made the team believe, which leads to the fans believing. There comes the sacred communion between team and fans that makes things more pleasant. For the first time in years I see Atletico having confidence in their game. Everyone seems to be working as hard as they can and the results are coming.

Simeone is a former Atletico player. He understands how the team operates internally and externally. He knows how to transmit the passion for the team that was lacking for a very long time. This is the same case of Pep Guardiola in Barcelona, and Mauricio Pochettino in Espanyol. Coaches with clear ideas that understand the environment and help their players understand it too.

I’m tired of the phrase “I expect Atletico to do good things next season” because I have said for almost a decade and I’ve always ended up disappointed. However, Simeone is making me believe too. We shall see.