Simeone returns to Málaga, scene of his debut as coach

On January 7, 2012 Diego Simeone oversaw his first game for Atlético Madrid as first team coach. The La Liga game at La Rosaleda was his first fixture after taking over a team in total depression. They had just been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by, then 2B side, Albacete and were languishing mid-table. At that time, Atlético had 19 points, whilst table toppers, Real Madrid, had 40.

The end of the league campaign would see a very different story: Atlético finished fifth with 56 points and access to the Europa League. On May 9^th, 2012, Atlético went on to beat Athletic 3-0 in the Europa League final in a night where Falcao was outstanding with two great goals. It was the second half of the 2011-12 season where El Cholo really started to forge ‘his’ Atleti side.

The first step was Málaga, where the team from the capital managed a 0-0. The barely managed a shot on goal during the course of the 90 minutes and the intention of the coach in this particular game was clear, do not lose. Simeone inherited a weak and vulnerable side featuring many players low on self confidence. Simeone managed to secure his initial objective, avoid defeat in La Roselada. The situation today is drastically different. Today, his Atleti side visit the Costa del Sol as league champions and they certainly will not be happy with a point or a 0-0 draw.

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