Diego Simeone took charge of Atlético Madrid for the 600th time on Thursday. Since joining in 2011, the Argentinian coach changed the history of the club. Simeone has guided Atlético to the Champions League for ten seasons in a row and has changed the entire culture of the club, a club that now competes for titles.
On 23 December 2011, the club officially announced the arrival of Simeone to take over a struggling side. On 23 December 2022, he celebrates 600 games in charge of the club.
Under Simeone, Atlético have lifted eight titles: two La Liga titles, two Europa League titles, one Copa del Rey, two European Super Cups and the Spanish Super Cup, making him the most successful coach in the club’s history.
The last league title win came in the 2020-21 season. He has also reached the Champions League final twice. His record in 600 matches speaks for itself: 351 wins, 140 draws and 109 defeats, with 982 goals scored and 470 conceded (+512), according to Madrid-based outlet Diario AS.
The victory in the Copa del Rey match against Arenteiro on Thursday leaves El Cholo 12 games away from equalling former club manager Luis Aragonés’ record.
Aragonés took charge of 612 Atlético games, recording 308 wins, 135 draws and 168 defeats (1000 goals scored and 699 conceded). The Argentinian has, however, done it in one go, the longest period ever seen at Atlético, while Aragonés did it across four different spells at the Vicente Calderón.
GSFN | Kieran Quaile
