Simeone lift for Atletico ahead of final

MADRID, May 26 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid were given a big boost ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid in Milan with the news that coach Diego Simeone will be staying on next season.





President Enrique Cerezo said on Thursday that the former Atletico player would remain at the club until at least June 2017, when his contract expires.

"Simeone will stay next season," Cerezo told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

The former Argentina midfielder has won La Liga, the Europa League and King's Cup in his four and a half seasons at the helm.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who played under Simeone in Madrid, says the coach is the key factor in the team's success.

"I remember his words two years ago, 'When you believe and you work it can be done'," Courtois told Onda Cero radio.

"Simeone knows how to motivate the group very well. Since he arrived Atleti have grown.

"Atleti have less talent than Barcelona, Real or Bayern Munich but they still beat you. The unity that Atletico have is very good."

Courtois was on loan in Madrid and played in the club's Champions League final defeat by Real two years ago.

"It wasn't the day for Atletico to win the Champions League but perhaps now it will be their time," the Belgium international said.

"I remember after the final in Lisbon my team mates said they would return, they were certain. Seeing the work they have done, it was logical they would return.

"They deserve to win it having beaten Barca and Bayern en route to the final," added Courtois.





(Writing by Adriana Garcia; Editing by Tony Jimenez)


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world