The Argentinian coach will soon pass Luis Aragones as the leader in Atlético de Madrid appearances and solidify his place in club history.
Diego Pablo Simeone continues to redefine what a coach can achieve with Atlético de Madrid. He recently surpassed Miguel Muñoz for the longest tenure as coach of the same team, a mark that stood for decades. This weekend, Simeone is poised to overtake Aragones to become the bench’s all-time leader at the mattress club. To honor the milestone, Cholo has penned an emotional letter to a revered figure in Atleti lore.
Simeone has always considered Aragones a pivotal influence in his own journey. The Argentinian first crossed paths with Luis when he was a player in Sevilla during the 1993-94 season, and Aragones urged him to seize the opportunity with Atlético. Now, nearly 30 years later, Simeone will surpass Aragones’ 612 games in charge of the rojiblancos, a moment that calls for remembrance and gratitude for the enduring bond between mentor and club.
Coaches with the most games for Atlético
- Diego Pablo Simeone 613 matches
- Luis Aragones 612 games
- Ricardo Zamora 206 games
- Radomir Antic 189 matches
- Javier Aguirre 131 matches
- Helenio Herrera 120 matches
Simeone’s letter to Luis Aragones
“Dear and eternal Luis,”
You know I’m not one to flaunt feelings in public, but today I want to share them. I write with nearly teary eyes and a deep sense of respect and emotion.
Tomorrow I will reach the same number of games, 612, we share today as the director of our beloved Atlético de Madrid. It is a day I will never forget. I also recall our time together in Sevilla, when you, as coach, encouraged me to join Atlético. Your reply was instantaneous, “And what are you waiting to go?” Almost three decades have passed since then, Luis, yet the love and passion you showed for this club remain a guiding light for many of us who follow this path.
Tomorrow I will sit on that bench you have given us so much pleasure on, and today I am honored to occupy it. It sounds surreal, but I am proud to say that I feel privileged to continue walking the path you helped establish, our shared path. I want you to know that I have given my best every year and I will keep doing so.
You know my responsibility and my dedication are the driving forces of my life. I will continue with the same enthusiasm and deep respect for this club and for the athletic family who keeps showering us with support. We are fortunate to belong to a community that defines a way of life, and my gratitude to them stretches beyond words.
I have been fortunate to work with players who showed hunger and commitment, and who believed in our project enough to follow it. We both understand how hard it is to sustain that momentum in this profession.
Equally important are the teammates and staff who have stood by us, enriching every day with their commitment. And none of this would be possible without the trust and resolve of the leadership who stand with us, supporting the project. Luis, the philosophy that guides us remains strong, thanks to the people who helped shape it and continue to uphold it.
Dear and eternal Luis, the values you exemplified and the countless lessons this club has passed on to us keep pushing us to compete with heart and to give our all. Atlético de Madrid was your life, and it is yours as well as mine. I did not want to let this moment pass without recognition, because I know you would understand the significance of what is happening today.”
Which post did you like the most?
- Real Betty
- sao paulo
- cremonese
- Ajax
- Burnley
15039 to vote
Thank you for voting
The results will appear shortly.
Which post did you like the most?
- 51%Real Betty
- eleven%sao paulo
- 5%cremonese
- 25%Ajax
- 7%Burnley
15039 to vote
Source: Goal