Legendary former Inter Milan captain Beppe Bergomi feels that Atletico Madrid are “a team, in the image of Diego Simeone.”
Bergomi spoke to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, about the Colchoneros coach, who he had previously played with.
Inter will encounter a familiar face at the San Siro when Atletico arrive for the Champions League round of sixteen.
Colchoneros coach Simeone spent two seasons at Inter as a player.
The Argentine played for the Nerazzurri during the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons.
Simeone also played for the likes of Pisa and Lazio in Italian football.
And during Simeone’s career as a coach, there have even been persistent links to coach at Inter. However, to date, he has remained at Atletico, where he has now been in charge of well over 600 matches.
Bergomi: Atletico Madrid A Team In The Image Of Diego Simeone
Former Inter captain Bergomi still has memories of playing alongside Simeone.
“Diego interpreted the role based on what was required of him by the coach,” he said.
“If there was a need to attack, he was very skilled at making attacking runs and scoring with his head.”
“Vice-versa, when we had to defend he stayed on the centre line. He could help us out out of possession. He was a very modern midfielder.”
The former Nerazzurri and Italy defender went on that “Watching Atletico play, I see Cholo’s charisma, determination and Argentine wiles.”
“I happened to speak to him when he decided to become a coach,” he noted.
“‘He told me: Zio, if you ever decide to coach, don’t skimp on the physical training. Make them run a lot.”
Bergomi related Simeone saying, “‘I went to watch Pep Guardiola train his team. And I complimented him, but I’m not capable of playing that type of football.'”
“Everyone has to be themselves,” he mused. “And he designed this Atletico in his image and likeness.”
