With the likes of Diego Costa, David Villa and Filipe Luis moving on along with Thibaut Courtois being recalled by Chelsea, it would be fair to suggest that Atletico Madrid are weaker ahead of their title defence this season.
The loss of players integral to the club’s success last year is undoubtedly a significant blow. However, with Simeone continuing to oversee the development of the squad, Los Rojiblancos are in safe hands moving forward.
The Argentinian Coach has installed both a culture and style within the club, one which the players he inherited now adhere to and new arrivals must quickly learn if they are to succeed in the capital.
While some may have been irked by his demands of sacrifice at the beginning of his tenure, the fact that he has built such a close-knit squad coupled with how he has now proven it can be successful have only further established him as one of the best Coaches in Europe.
In turn, that has arguably played a part in how he has been able to replace his crop of former stars with new additions this summer. Jan Oblak, Guilherme Siqueira, Antoine Griezmann, Raul Jimenez and Mario Mandzukic all arrive ahead of the new season, and as a result, Atleti are perhaps stronger and possess more depth.
Matching last year’s achievements will be an unenviable task, but having added versatility as well as quality, Simeone has options at his disposal while his squad continue to demonstrate the same work ethic and principles he installed on his arrival.
Additionally, he will also be expecting more from those who were perhaps playing in the shadows to an extent. More will undoubtedly be demanded from the likes of Koke and Arda Turan, while Atleti have been able to keep the rest of their formidable defence intact, Filipe aside.
Nevertheless, as suggested above, it is Simeone who keeps this puzzle together regardless of whether or not a rebuild is necessary. His growing reputation makes Atleti an appealing destination, hence why they have been in a position to sign players that they perhaps wouldn’t have dreamed of signing 12 months ago.
While the Argentinian conceded that they still trail their rivals financially which ultimately led to the loss of key players, he is confident that the club can sustain this new era by building on what they have achieved thus far and continue to evolve.
Most impressive is his ability to identify and sign players that fit his system with each individual fully aware of the role that they have within the team. Combined with his man-management skills and motivational ability, Simeone will undoubtedly continue to drive Atleti forward in the coming campaign.
