The Athletic FC Podcast: Is This Simeone's Best Version of Atletico Madrid?

Release Date: December 17, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Ayo Akinwolere and Colin Miller delve deep into Atletico Madrid's current impressive run of form under the seasoned management of Diego Simeone. With 11 consecutive victories, Atletico has positioned itself as a formidable contender in La Liga. Joined by La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan, the discussion unpacks whether this marks Simeone's most successful iteration of the team.

Atletico's Remarkable Winning Streak

Starting at [02:38], Colin Miller highlights Atletico Madrid's recent dominance in La Liga:

"On Sunday, Atletico Madrid made it 11 wins on the bounce... Is this a new rejuvenated Atletico Madrid under the old dog Simeone?"

Dermot Corrigan responds by emphasizing the building momentum:

"There's a lot of momentum building around Atletico at the minute. They're very happy with themselves. They keep winning games... There's a lot of late substitutes coming on doing something special, which has built a lot of momentum for them." ([03:32])

Key Statistics and Team Performance

Atletico's statistics underscore their resurgence:

• 31 goals scored
• 7 goals conceded
• 6 clean sheets

Colin points out the statistical marvel:

"The stats are insane... Is this a new rejuvenated Atletico Madrid under the old dog Simeone?" ([02:38])

Dermot adds:

"They haven't played the most difficult opponents in that run... Now they've got a huge game at Barcelona... Are they really going to challenge us this season?" ([03:32])

Strategic Signings and Financial Investments

A significant focus of the discussion revolves around Atletico's near €200 million investment in new players. Dermot outlines the challenges and successes of these acquisitions:

"Atletico's summer investment was almost €200 million... players like Julian Alvarez... how important is it for all those signings to come together and work?" ([14:57])

Dermot further explains the strategic fit of new signings:

"They have the soul of Atletico, of Simeone, that kind of dog’s war idea, and then they have the technical quality that guys like Griezmann as well, then they should be winning trophies." ([08:15])

He contrasts successful signings like Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher with less fitting ones like Joao Felix:

"Maybe that type of player just doesn't fit Atletico at all... Whereas a player like Alvarez does." ([20:03])

Evolution of Simeone's Management and Tactical Adaptation

Diego Simeone's evolution as a manager is a central theme. Dermot discusses how Simeone has adapted to the club's modernization:

"It's been a gradual thing with Simeone... the type of player that the club have signed... they have to adapt to that reality as well." ([08:15])

He highlights the tactical shifts:

"They have settled on a kind of 4-4-2 formation... They're winning their tackles, they're winning the ball high up the pitch, and that's creating a lot of chances." ([07:46])

Financial Maneuvering and La Liga's Salary Cap

Atletico's ability to finance their significant investments despite La Liga's financial restrictions is noteworthy. Dermot outlines the club's financial strategies:

"The La Liga salary cap always comes into it... Atletico have been growing the revenues. The move to the new stadium has pushed them into a different league." ([26:06])

He details the influx of funds from new investors and share offerings:

"They are a different club. They're a different club now... there was a share offering which raised almost €100 million, which basically went into raising the salary limit at the club." ([26:06])

Current Title Race and Future Prospects

With Atletico Madrid tied on points with Barcelona but trailing on goal difference, the episode explores their chances of clinching the La Liga title. Dermot provides an optimistic outlook:

"Atletico Madrid... are the club who actually look the most stable in terms of what they want and what they're trying to do." ([31:09])

Colin emphasizes Atletico's late-game prowess as a key advantage:

"22 of their 47 goals have come in the last 15 minutes. This is extraordinary... this team knows how to win matches." ([31:49])

Sustainability of Current Success

A critical question addressed is whether Atletico Madrid can maintain this high level of performance throughout the season. Dermot notes:

"They need to continue improving... this is a team who knows how to win matches... their title rivals don’t." ([31:49])

The discussion acknowledges potential setbacks but remains confident in Simeone's leadership:

"They have his squad in place now, has his squad of players, has total buy-in, has total self-belief... they're going to be very hard to stop in terms of the league title challenge." ([34:55])

Upcoming Pivotal Game Against Barcelona

The impending clash against Barcelona serves as a litmus test for Atletico's current form. Colin reflects on the historical significance and potential impact of the match:

"You have to keep on this conversation around Atletico Madrid potentially winning La Liga... it sets up the game against Barcelona pretty well before Christmas." ([35:47])

Dermot advises Atletico to seize the moment amidst Barcelona's internal struggles:

"Atletico Madrid have a real moment here. Can they seize it? And that is going to be the true question of their evolution." ([35:47])

Conclusion: Simeone's Reimagined Atletico Madrid

The episode wraps up by assessing whether this Atletico Madrid represents the pinnacle of Simeone's managerial career. Both Colin and Dermot express cautious optimism, acknowledging the club's strategic investments, tactical evolution, and robust squad depth as pivotal factors driving their current success. The upcoming fixtures, especially against Barcelona, will be crucial in determining whether this version of Atletico can sustain its excellence and secure the La Liga title.

Notable Quotes

• Dermot Corrigan ([08:15]): "They have the soul of Atletico, of Simeone, that kind of dog’s war idea, and then they have the technical quality that guys like Griezmann as well, then they should be winning trophies."

• Colin Miller ([31:49]): "Atletico Madrid... are the club who actually look the most stable in terms of what they want and what they're trying to do."

• Dermot Corrigan ([35:47]): "Atletico Madrid have a real moment here. Can they seize it? And that is going to be the true question of their evolution."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast provides an in-depth analysis of Atletico Madrid's current trajectory, highlighting the synergy between strategic acquisitions, tactical adaptability, and strong leadership under Diego Simeone. As the season progresses, Atletico's ability to maintain their form and capitalize on key matches will determine if this is indeed Simeone's best iteration of the team.