Mono Burgos has given an insight into life as Diego Simeone’s assistant at Atletico Madrid, his relationship with the Coach and Atleti’s objectives.
Burgos is a long-time confidante of Cholo, having played with the former midfielder for both Atletico and Argentina and discussed their partnership when speaking to Radio Marca.
“I called him two years before he was a Coach in Argentina. I told him I trust him, and he trusts me,” AS reports the former goalkeeper revealing.
“We know each other well. Two World Cups with Argentina [France ’98 and Japan/Korea ‘02], more than three years with Atletico. I understand him without him.”
The pair have won a number of trophies in their time on the Vicente Calderon bench and Burgos illustrated the philosophy behind the success.
“They’re what we require, even though we have achieved more than that,” he noted.
“With our arrival everything has been ordered. The players know where the President is, the Coach, the sporting director…they know what each player does and we tell them they have to win every 15 minutes.
“We prepare to play finals, because all our games are finals. Game by game isn’t for show, it’s a reality.
“We don’t want our opponents to like us, because that means we are doing things well.”
Former goalkeeper Burgos was asked why he doesn’t speak to the Press more, and if he ever expects to work away from Simeone.
“I’m the assistant. I can’t appear more than Cholo,” he explained.
“I’m in no hurry to separate. But it’s the law of life and has to happen naturally. I see no hurry to go anywhere else. In any case, decisions are personal and have to be respected.
“It’s my mission to organise the cantera with the first team, the progress of the kids to the seniors. Everything tactical, that’s Cholo and myself. But the main thing is Cholo’s emotional balance…
“Fernando Torres? All I can say is he is one of ours. When [the club] asks for my opinion on this case, I’ll give it. The same for Borja Baston. We’re not dumb.”
Burgos was also asked what outcome he would prefer when Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in the weekend’s Clasico fixture, with Atletico behind Barca but ahead of Madrid.
“For them both to lose,” he replied.
