Speaking to UEFA, Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez has been speaking about Diego Simeone amid his links to Newcastle United.
Indeed, after Newcastle became the richest club in the world last month, AS have reported that the Magpies are keen on appointing Simeone as their new manager.
Nobody needs telling about Simeone’s coaching acumen. The Argentine has led Atletico Madrid to two league titles and two Champions League finals, and it seems as though his players also love working under him.
Indeed, Suarez has had plenty of good things to say about his gaffer.
What’s been said?
Suarez gave his verdict on Simeone.
“The coach plays an important role in a player’s confidence. And when he sees the player doesn’t have a great deal of confidence during training or the game itself, he goes and speaks to you and convinces you that you’re capable of doing well, saying, “There’s a reason you’re playing for Atlético, there’s a reason you’re here. The last game was nothing; you have to keep trying,” Suarez said.
“That’s when the player gets their confidence back. It happens a lot with many players here who have a couple of bad games and then he has a conversation with them and the next game they play amazingly, because the coach persuades them.
“He has a passion for football and he’s been a player so he knows what the player needs in those tough moments. That’s why he’s one of the best coaches in the world. He’s got such a great track record at Atlético. It’s because of his personality and his way of experiencing football and, of course, it’s because of his technical knowledge and wisdom.”
Perfect for Newcastle
Simeone may be something of an ambitious target for Newcastle, but he’d certainly be a brilliant appointment if he were brought in.
If Newcastle are to build something of a super team, Simeone would be able to get the best out of these players and manage the egos that will inevitably be coming into the dressing room.
Whether or not Newcastle can convince Simeone remains to be seen, but Suarez believes he’s one of the best managers on the planet right now.
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