As Coach Diego Simeone took up his position on the touchline for Saturday’s game against Sevilla at the Estadio Vicente Calderon there was a sense of relief but also assurance. The Argentine had returned after serving an eight-game touchline ban when he was sent off during the Super Cup second leg against Real Madrid.
During the suspension Simeone cut a remonstrative figure while watching from the director’s box. At times he shouted wildly, banging his hands against the glass when seeing something not to his liking. But when things did go right, such as their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid last month, he celebrated with the passion and vibrancy he showed as a player.
Simeone’s assistant, the at times combustible German Burgos, did a respectable job filling in. He continued Los Colchoneros’ brilliant run against Madrid by defeating the Champions League holders at Santiago Bernabeu. Arda Turan’s winner, which sealed the three points after withstanding heavy pressure from Los Merengeues, showed the grit but also the defiance Simeone has engrained into the club.
However, at times Atletico have missed the presence of Simeone, whether domestically or in Europe. In their Champions League group opener last month Olympiacos shocked them, as they lost 3-2 in Athens. Moreover, they were lacklustre in a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo in the League, although the Galicians have impressed this season.
So when Simeone returned to the touchline against Sevilla there was intrigue at what impact this would have on the squad. The fans would not be disappointed as Atletico blew away Los Rojiblancos 4-0, propelling themselves into third place. The result was surprising, as the Europa League holders had been in good form under Coach Unai Emery, winning their last four League games.
Los Colchoneros followed up their impressive League victory with a hard earned 1-0 win in the Champions League against Italian giants Juventus. It was a closely fought contest between two good teams where the game ebbed and flowed before Turan’s strike with 16 minutes left decided the match.
But it was Simeone’s presence on the touchline, where he barked and cajoled his players, but importantly encouraged them while it was still 0-0, that spurred Atletico to overcome the Old Lady.
The last seven days have shown how Simeone’s presence brings confidence to the team. He has transformed the Atletico’s fortunes since taking over in December 2011, where upon his arrival Atletico languished in tenth place in La Liga and had been knocked out of the Copa Del Rey by Albacete, ofthe Segunda Division. Within six months Simeone inspired his players to win the Europa League.
With the return of their beloved Coach, Atleti will look to continue the defence of their title. But the next fixture will tough, as they face a Valencia side resurgent under the new guidance of Peter Lim – still not the owner – and sit in second place. But it will be a challenge Simeone will relish.
