Chelsea player, Joao Felix have described the tactics used by Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid as ‘suffering on the pitch.’
Joao Felix joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica from a club record fee but struggled to adapt to the team’s style of play. Subsequently the 23-year-old was reduced to being on the bench and getting lesser play.
Series of loggerhead between team coach, Diego Simeone and Joao Felix erupted over the player’s discomfort with sitting on the bench. Felix eventually lost the tag of being considered as one of the best young footballers present.
The 2022 World Cup however proved Joao Felix still has what it takes to be one of the best player in football. Becoming one of Portugal’s most important players, even ahead of five time Ballon d’OR winner, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Felix moved from Wanda Metropolitano to Chelsea on a six-months loan, and in 58 minute of play showed he can still be amongst those considered to be the best in football.
In a recent interview with Spanish news outlet AS, Joao Felix tagged Diego Simeone style of play as suffering while adding that the tactician made him compete in a different way.
I have always competed, I have always wanted to win. What I have learned is to compete in another way that I was not used to. I always wanted to win more than everyone else, but then I learned to compete differently. Joao Felix on what Diego Simeone taught him.
On Diego Simeone style of competing, Joao Felix said;
Basically, it’s suffering in the pitch. It’s suffering, waiting for an opportunity and making use of it. It’s his way to compete. Not bad but different from other trainers.
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He also talked about Diego Simeone leaving Atletico Madrid, saying there are always rumors of the Argentine leaving the club every year but he never leaves. He also said he watches Atletico Madrid matches and the team still suffers, citing the match against Real Madrid as an example.
