Diego Simeone, who was linked with a move to Chelsea after the Blues sacked Jose Mourinho, revealed that his source of constant motivation is the fear of getting sacked. The Argentine has led Atletico to a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Europa League titles in the four years he has been at the club.
Simeone, who formerly played for Argentina, said that he lives in the fear of getting sacked from his post as a manager.
"I always think I could be fired," he said. "From there, I try to give absolutely everything I have."
The 54-year-old was handed the managerial job at a time when the Rojiblancos were in some serious crisis. The 45-year-old was an instant hit at the Madrid-based club and led them UEFA Europa Cup glory in his first season. He then added a Copa Del Rey title to the club’s trophy cabinet in the following season. Simeone’s best season at the helm of the club came when Atletico won the La Liga and reached the final of Champions League in the 2013-14 season.
Several managers have been sacked in the last couple of seasons and almost all the top teams have undergone a paradigm shift in their play. Atletico’s local rivals, Real Madrid have sacked two managers, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez in a span of seven months. Whereas, in the Premier League, Liverpool relieved Brendan Rodgers of his duties and Chelsea parted ways with Jose Mourinho.
Simeone talked about the future of Olivier Torres and Jackson Martinez
Simeone recently signed a contract with the Rojiblancos until 2020. Asked about the future of the talented Oliver Torres in the club, he said, "I am not thinking anything different about Oliver.
“I must play him and he must show what he can do. Words can confuse situations, but facts are clear. Competition for places is very good.”
The Athletico manager also backed Jackson Martinez, who has found goals difficult to come by since moving to Spain.
"Forwards live off goals and they have a need to score," he said about Jackson Martinez who scored only three goals this season. "At other teams he did not begin well, and then, bit by bit, he improved.
“The others can benefit from his strength (in open play), although he would feel more comfortable with many more goals, clearly."
