Being one of those pragmatic managers who love order above chaos in their squads is something that has worked for Diego Simeone, his approach on how to manage a team with such minutious tactics has called for the attention of every single manager who has trained in a similar manner. Fabio Capello already praised him, Mourinho has praised him, Arrigo Sacchi has done it and now, Swedish manager Sven Goran-Eriksson was the last in line to kiss his boots.
Talking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former manager said: "I am cheering for Atletico Madrid and Simeone. His football intrigues me, and we spoke about it in the summer as we met in China for a friendly. He said he picked up a few things from me and I am proud of that. Simeone was tough as a player and he still is as a coach. His training sessions are like matches, and then that work pays off on the field. His team presses so well. He is an example to follow."
But Eriksson's taste in football goes beyond just a more defensive style, he also like Barcelona a lot: "I really like to watch Barcelona play when they are on form and move the ball. However not everyone can field Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. That is why being organized is so key, which is why I believe Simeone is an example to follow. Nobody runs more than Atletico in La Liga."
Photo credit: Atletico Madrid