Atletico Madrid shot to La Liga glory, and came within moments of European glory under Diego Simeone, playing a compact and aggressive system that became known as ‘Cholismo’. However recent years, with Los Rojiblancos stumbling against teams playing similar systems, has seen plenty of pundits question whether Simeone should adapt his style to become more free-flowing.
It has become something of an inflammatory topic at the Metropolitano, with many fans comfortable with Simeone’s style when it brings results, but demanding more when it does not come off. Equally, with Atletico often spending more on talented forwards than defenders in recent seasons, it has also been considered out loud if a different style might not suit his resources better.
Speaking in an interview with Cadena Cope, Simeone himself responded to the accusation that he was a ‘defensive coach’.
🚨 Diego Simeone: “We’re facing players like Raphinha, Lamine, Lewandowski, Mbappé, Vinicius, Bellingham… Of course we compete, and we’ll keep competing. We even beat Barça with Messi and Madrid with Cristiano. If we give 110%, we can. If we give 80%, we can’t.”@partidazocope pic.twitter.com/i5jENWWfcb
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 10, 2025
“I’m a coach, after all. That topic is boring, because what does it mean to be defensive?”
‘It’s a challenge for us’ – Simeone on changing opinions on Atletico
Observers of Atletico over the years will confirm that his side play in a very different manner to a decade ago. Yet Simeone still battles another quip that his side do not look to kill the game when in front, instead protecting a lead.
“It’s a challenge for us to keep trying to change the face of what they think they see, but it’s not really there. Then there are the tastes and feelings that arise from certain nuances. Last year we scored 113 goals. What does it mean to be defensive?”
In terms of whether Simeone is seeking a change in style, he noted that he was trying to tailor his approach to his players.
Diego Simeone enjoys watching Hansi Flick’s side. #Barca #Atleti pic.twitter.com/k2rGNVBNdG
— Football España (@footballespana_) September 10, 2025
“It depends on the players who arrive. The football of 2014 is nothing like today’s; it depends on the characteristics of the players.”
On their current plight, after just two points from nine to open the season, Simeone explained he was still seeking the right answers.
“When the team isn’t getting results, the coach has to be as self-critical as we are. We’re trying to improve the team, and we’re going to improve it.
Alexander Sorloth and Antoine Griezmann on the bench
Two more talking points from the early going have been the role of Alexander Sorloth, who has only played more than 45 minutes in one of their games thus far, and that of Antoine Griezmann, who has been on the bench for all three. While Sorloth is keen to be starting games, the numbers show a larger impact when he comes off the bench.
“He’s incredibly important. When he comes on, he’s different; the game is broken, and he can play on the counterattack. He’s going to be crucial.”
Whereas with Griezmann, who was talked about as a potential departure this summer, Simeone highlighted his leadership skills.
“Griezmann and Koke are important when they’re here. We’ve spoken a lot with both of them and we want to make them feel important, whether they’re out the tream or in it. They know why they’re here and why we need them.”
Simeone also went on to confirm that he stormed out of a meeting with UEFA referees, who were at the Atletico training ground to discuss changes to the infamous double-touch rule. Los Rojiblancos are back in action against Villarreal on Saturday night.
