Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone believes striking the balance between youth and experience is the key to success in football management.
The Argentine led Los Colchoneros to La Liga supremacy and the Champions League final last season, but he lost out to German World Cup winner Joachim Low in the 2014 FIFA Coach of the Year stakes on Monday.
“[The key to success in management] is seeking balance in dealing with players. For me, players who are 20 are equal to those who are 35,” he said prior to the award ceremony in Zurich.
“There are too many games. Young players need extreme care so they can maintain their best level.
“We need to find new ways for players to be in the best shape for the best events. The World Cup is a beautiful competition, but it didn’t arrive at the right time.
“Teams who can’t afford to sign many stars must use their youth academies and look towards the youngsters with the most promise.
“We promote youngsters during pre-season so that throughout the year, they’ll have learned how we work [in the first team].
“What gives me passion as a Coach is seeing my players identify themselves with an idea. When it’s achieved, it’s is a great feeling.”
