The discussion between Simeone and Xavi over the style of play: “Atlético was not for the big teams”

Diego Simeone and Xavi Hernández warmed up the match between Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid. On the eve of the duel at the Camp Nou for matchday 23 of LaLiga Santander, the Argentine coach recalled the words of the Spanish coach in 2016 and the way in which he underestimated the “Colchoneros” style of play.

“Back in 2016 I remember a note in Xavi’s ‘Universo Valdano’ that commented that Atlético de Madrid football was not for the styles of the big teams”‘Cholo’ Simeone said at a press conference. The speech of the South American strategist continued and even made a tone of irony felt.

“Now he will have the possibility with the arrival of the footballers, who will have eight (in attack) to use especially three in the offensive part, to be able to deploy everything that he seeks, wants, imagines and with what in reality was growing from all his cradle in Barcelona “, added the driver of the albirrojos.

True to his style, Simeone defended his own again: “We, from our game, try to take the match where we think we can hurt it”he explained. “When you only lived with one situation in your life, you don’t understand other situations. When you had the opportunity to turn around and have different situations in your life, you understand that not everything is one thing.”, Held.

Along the same lines, the Atlético de Madrid coach ruled: “What (Xavi) thinks is very respectable because he has the ability to have lived together during his time at Barcelona with great footballers, great coaches and enormous successes. Now, to try to prove it within the coach that he is, who is surely very good “.

Xavi’s answer

Xavi, despite the years that have passed since his words, maintains his position. Minutes after Simeone’s statements, the Barcelona coach responded about the style of play. This yes, the trainer of the azulgranas described as “licit” the forms used by the adversary and said that the ‘Cholo’ is a “great” trainer.

“It would not be Barcelona’s style. I don’t think the Barça fans understood Atlético’s way of playing, it doesn’t fit. It does not mean that it does not have merits or is competitive. Is a reality. We wouldn’t understand locking ourselves in a low block in the area. It is lawful and nobody tells you that you cannot win like that. He has won two Leagues and has been close to the Champions League”, he expressed.

“People here would not understand that we will play that way. The first, you”Hernandez insisted. In closing, the coach clarified with an opinion about Simeone: “He’s a great coach, but he’s not for Barça’s style. It is not a criticism”.