Former Bayern Munich coach, Giovanni Trapattoni has lauded Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone for his style of play while critiquing Pep Guardiola for his tiki-taka style, opining that it is quite boring. The Italian also hoped that Simeone would one day return to Inter Milan, where Trapattoni had managed El Cholo as a player.
In an interview with Spanish outlet Diario AS, the former Juventus, Bayern, Inter and Italy coach was full of praise for Simeone, saying “I love Simeone, and I don't think he would be offended if I said that his character is similar to mine, my teams had the same philosophy.”
Trapattoni also provided some implicit criticism of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions Leagu semifinal opponents, Bayern Munich, saying “I'm not going to name names, but there are some teams which play the ball around for half an hour without a single shot on goal... that sends me to sleep!”
“I prefer Simeone's way - a thousand times; he's someone who goes right down to the grain and always promises a thrilling spectacle with his intensity. Saying that his side plays badly is a massive lie.”
Atletico lead Bayern Munich by a solitary goal going into the 2nd leg at the Allainz Arena, with Saul Niguez’ wondergoal separating the two sides. However, Trapattoni believes Atletico will find it tough, saying “ The strength to rise to the occasion and pull through in these big matches was ingrained in the DNA of my Bayern.
“For Simeone it's going to be a very tough match, but anything could happen: 90 minutes at Bayern's ground is a very long time.”
Trapatonni wants Simeone to return to Inter
Givanni Trapattoni is famed in Italy for a counter-attacking style of play based around a tight defence, and a large part of the credit goes to Diego Simeone. The Argentine spent a wonderful spell at Inter Milan under Trapattoni’s tutelage, with many in the press considering that Atletico’s current style is a reflection of Trapattoni’s style.
However, the Italian credits Simeone with developing Atletico’s high-intensity style, saying “It was me who learned from him, not the other way around. Diego was already a coach even then. He would relay all of the analysis which he had done during the week before a game to his team mates. I'll never forget his determination.”
Trapattoni went on, saying “My Inter side had Simeone's spirit running righ through it - it was a team which would steal back possession then set Ronaldo [Nazário] off on one of his runs - our counter attacks were deadly. They were also exemplary off the field too”
However, the Italian hopes Simeone will leave Atletico for Inter eventually, saying “If Simeone had a more technically-gifted set of players, his team would be unstoppable; I really hope that one day he can do it at Inter. He promised to us that he would come back.”
