Diego Simeone set a new record as Atlético Madrid coach on Saturday, overseeing his 613th match for the club in a La Liga game against Sevilla at the Metropolitano Stadium. The 54‑year‑old Argentine surpassed the late club legend Luis Aragones, who had held the mark with 612 appearances. Accompanied by his children, Simeone received a commemorative shirt from Aragones’s son before kick‑off; the back read “Legend Simeone,” and electronic displays around the stadium echoed the tribute as Atlético fans chanted his name in appreciation.
Simeone, a former midfielder for Atlético in two spells, took charge of the team in 2011. Known for his competitive—and sometimes abrasive—style, he has led the club to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, as well as the Copa del Rey in 2013. Under his guidance, Atlético has become a genuine challenger to domestic giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Prior to Simeone’s era, the last time the club achieved a La Liga and Copa del Rey double was in 1996 under Radomir Antic.
Internationally, Simeone steered Atlético to the Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016, although both ended in defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid. He also secured Europa League triumphs in 2012 and 2018, along with two European Super Cups. This season, however, Atlético has underperformed, falling out of the title race and exiting the Champions League at the group stage, fueling speculation that Simeone’s tenure could end in the summer.
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