Ancelotti wants to learn from Simeone
"I want to spend time with Simeone because we both love football," Ancelotti said on February 24 at a press conference before Real's match against Atletico in the 23rd round of La Liga. "I don't think Simeone has anything to learn from me. But we can learn by spending time together."
The Italian coach also expressed his desire to watch directly how Simeone works. He explained: "I want to see it as a personal experience, how Simeone prepares for training sessions, tactically. It's a source of knowledge when watching other coaches prepare for games. I want to know how. Simeone prepares for the upcoming Madrid derby. We can talk about this after the game."
During his first term as Real Madrid manager in the period 2013-2015, Ancelotti could not win against Simeone in La Liga. When crowned in the 2014-2015 season, Atletico won 1-0 at the Bernabeu thanks to Diego Costa's goal in the 11th minute, then drew 2-2 at the old Vicente Calderon stadium in the second leg. The following season, Simeone won both derbies, with a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu and a historic 4-0 result in the rematch at home.
However, Ancelotti won the most memorable victory when he defeated Atletico 4-1 in the 2014 Champions League final, thereby helping the Royal team fulfill Decima's dream - reaching ten C1/Champions League titles.
When he returned to Real for the 2021-2022 season, the Italian coach won the first Madrid derby in La Liga, defeating Atletico 2-0 thanks to Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio. Towards the end of the season, when the title was certain, Real lost 0-1 because of Yannick Carrasco's penalty kick at the Metropolitano.
This season, Real won both Madrid derbies. Ancelotti's teachers beat Atletico 2-1 in the first leg of La Liga with goals from Rodrygo and Federico Valverde at the Metropolitano, and then won 3-1 through two extra time in the quarterfinals of the King's Cup at the Bernabeu.
Simeone has led Atletico since 2011, turning the club into a force in both La Liga and the European arena thanks to his pragmatic football. The Argentine coach and Atletico won two La Ligas, one King's Cup, one Spanish Super Cup, two Europa Leagues, two European Super Cups. They also reached the Champions League final in 2014 and 2016, but both lost to Real.
"I like Simeone's personality because he is extremely honest when assessing games," Ancelotti continued to praise his colleague. "What Atletico has achieved comes from Simeone's different mentality and mindset and a very consistent team. It is a great success."
Simeone, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude, citing the players and staff as the reason for his success at Atletico. "I'm so lucky, I have to be grateful to the club and all the people who contribute to the team. I'm where I want to be and still very ambitious," said the 52-year-old coach.
After the 202 World Cup, Atletico won eight out of 12 matches and were unbeaten in the last six in La Liga. Although still 18 points behind Barca at the top, Simeone emphasized Atletico still retains the motivation and desire to contribute. "You have to compete in every game," he said. "It is good for us to continue to fight in the tournament for us to continue to grow. Every time we put on the red and white shirt, we are very excited."
