Real Madrid star hails Atlético boss Simeone: ‘A special coach’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois has this week moved to reveal his appreciation for the managerial talents of Atlético head coach Diego Simeone.

Courtois, for his part, spent some of the early years of his career plying his trade under Simeone’s watch at Atlético.

And the Argentine left a lasting impression on the shot-stopper, who has of course since gone on to establish himself as one of world football’s very best in his role.

Courtois is now a direct opponent of Simeone’s, with the pair currently in the thick of a tense battle for the La Liga title.

As aluuded to above, though, as much did not stop the Belgian from this week reiterating his admiration for Atléti’s beloved headmaster.

Speaking during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Courtois had the following to say when drawn on his former manager:

“I think he brings a special character and speaks a lot to the team. I remember that before a final he would sit you down with Mono Burgos, his assistant coach, and tell you that you were the best. ‘Tomorrow you’re going to break it’ and you would go to bed thinking about it.

“On matchdays he would show you a video of a film with a speech, he would always find these things that would bring something out of you. The players were above their level, and they could do that because tactically he was very good too. He knew how to activate us. He is a special coach. And I think he always finds a way to reinvent himself, because he has been there for so many years and he is still great. I would love to see him in another country, but I imagine he is happy there.”

Conor Laird – GSFN