Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid defender pays tribute to Simeone: “Probably the best coach in the world”
Speaking to So Foot, Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo Mandava has hailed Diego Simeone as ‘the best coach in the world’.
Reinildo joined Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window earlier this year and has quickly become a key member of Simeone’s setup. A left-back by trade, he has been used as a left-sided centre-back in the three-man defence by the Colchoneros manager regularly.
Reinildo has made a solid impression whenever called upon and can be counted as one of the regular starters in Simeone’s plans.
And the 28-year-old Mozambique international has claimed that he respects Simeone massively, while adding that Cholo is one of the best coaches in the world currently.
“I feel good in the team and I’m not afraid of the coach. It is not necessary to scare his players. On the other hand, I have a lot of respect for Diego because he is probably the best coach in the world, his work is fantastic,” he said.
Talking about the general perception that Simeone can be a demanding person to work with, Reinildo said: “Before coming, I heard people say to me ‘Be careful, Simeone is very demanding.’ But the requirement, I love that! I took this challenge as an honour.
“Thanks to his knowledge, I listen and I learn. I am a hard worker and as I like it I am 120% all the time. With Simeone, I’m like a fish in water.”
Atletico Madrid face off against local rivals Real Madrid later tonight in La Liga. And Reinildo opened up on the duel that awaits him against the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes, saying:
“Honestly, I’m not one to remember the names of my direct opponents. Vinícius, we talk about him a lot at the moment so I know him. I know that we will have to be even more careful with him because he is fast and dangerous, he is a great player.
“But I am first and foremost a footballer, I just have to do my job and stay in constant contact with my teammates. I feel ready to face it, it will be interesting.”
Talking about the importance of the derby, he added: “This one is so prestigious. We will fight to win so that our supporters can be happy and can have their moment of glory against a historic opponent.
“In this type of match, each duel won is important. I already won this derby last year, and I want to relive that experience. 2-0 or 3-0 is fine with me!”
When asked if he saw any similarities between Simeone and his former LOSC Lille manager Christophe Galtier, Reinildo replied:
“They have similarities in the way of reading matches. Simeone, his game science is fantastic. In some of his analysis, I am there listening to him and admiring him. It is truly an honour for me to be a member of his squad. That makes me happy.”
Atletico Madrid News
UEFA open investigation against multiple Real Madrid players over celebration vs Atletico
More than two weeks after Real Madrid’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, UEFA has sent quite the shockwave to the defending European champions.
In a recent statement, UEFA has announced they have started an open investigation against a series of Real Madrid players for the way they celebrated after winning against Atletico Madrid, about two weeks back.
What is the investigation about?
As reported by MARCA, the European governing body is specifically looking into the actions of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from Real Madrid’s celebrations after knocking out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The celebrations took place near the section of the stadium occupied by Real Madrid supporters, but some actions by the players have drawn scrutiny.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on 12 March 2025,” UEFA said in an official statement.
Rudiger is being investigated for a gesture in which he placed his hand around his neck, while Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by touching his genitals.
Vinicius, on the other hand, was involved in heated interactions with Atletico fans both before and after the match, while Ceballos was seen enthusiastically joining the celebrations.
The celebrations from Real Madrid players drew hostility from Atletico Madrid fans for obvious reasons, with the opposition fans resorting to throwing bottles on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham was even among the ones hit by these throwing objects from Atleti fans while Vinicius pointed to the Real Madrid crest on his shirt, which might have played a role in further fuming tension.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, responded to the hostility from Atleti fans by dancing inside the pitch.
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the incidents, although it is very much likely that Real Madrid would appeal against any sanctions placed on the event of any breach.
