Diego Maradona believes that Marcelo Bielsa’s work at Athletic Bilbao deserves more credit than that of Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
Simeone has just signed a four-year contract with Atleti, after a successful 18 months so far that has seen them lift the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup and reach this year’s Copa del Rey Final.
Speaking to Marca, Maradona reflected on his achievements, but revealed that he personally does not like him anymore.
“I congratulate him as a Coach, but he behaved very badly with me and our friendship died,” the former No 10 explained.
“At River Plate, he allowed that individual who says he is my son to train [Diego Junior], and I haven't spoken to him since.
“I'm glad he has done well as a Coach, I really am. He has at his side the amazing presence of German ‘El Mono’ Burgos, but my friendship with El Cholo has died.”
For Maradona, it is Bielsa at Athletic, who has impressed him the most recently.
“He reached two finals and is experiencing something that is incredible.
“In England all the teams play with just one or two Englishmen, in Italy sometimes none, in Spain with the exception of Barcelona, two or three.
“And Bielsa plays with 11 homegrown players! What fault is it of his if the locals do not want foreigners? There is great merit in reaching two finals with only Spanish players, whilst Bayern have taken Martinez and Juventus will be taking Llorente away.
“And then he has pulled up the likes of Muniain, who I love, and Susaeta and De Marcos, who are great players.
“For me, Bielsa has more merit than Simeone. Marcelo has created a team from scratch.”
The former Barcelona and Sevilla player was asked if he would return to work in Spain as a Coach.
“Yes, but only in a club with real possibilities. If they offered me Sevilla, for example, I'd be there in a shot.
“I was really saddened by what happened to Hugo Sanchez in Almería, for example. A legend like him in a team with no future. I wouldn't like what happened to him to happen to me. He didn't deserve it.”
