Diego Pablo Simeone, known for his ironclad leadership at Atlético de Madrid, has faced numerous challenges throughout his career as a coach. However, one of the most personal and complex challenges now comes in the form of his youngest son, Giuliano Simeone, who has recently made his debut with the first team at Atlético. Cholo's words on this situation have surprised many, especially if one remembers what he said years ago about the possibility of coaching one of his sons.
Simeone has made his position clear in the past regarding having a son in the dressing room. In statements made years ago, when his first-born Giovanni was beginning to stand out, Cholo admitted that having his son under his technical direction was not something he liked.
His viral statements
"I don't like to talk much about the father, but I do like to talk about the coach. It's very difficult to have a son in the dressing room. For him, for the relationship...", Simeone said at the time, referring to Giovanni. These words reflected his concern about the possible tension that could arise from mixing the roles of father and coach.
Those statements seemed to close the door on one of his sons wearing the Atlético de Madrid shirt while he was in charge. However, reality has proven to be different. Although Giovanni never made it to the Atlético de Madrid team, Giuliano did, and his presence in the first team has created a new dilemma for Cholo.
Giuliano Simeone has been one of the surprises of the season, and his participation in the recent match against Athletic Club in Bilbao was significant. The young striker played an important role, proving that he has the talent and ability to live up to the demands of Atlético de Madrid. Although during the summer it had been agreed that Giuliano would continue his loan at Alavés, he ended up staying with the team managed by his father.
Together in the locker room
The relationship between father and son in a context as competitive as professional football is not easy. Simeone is aware of the potential difficulties and the additional pressure that can fall on Giuliano for being "the coach's son". However, unlike what he expressed years ago about Giovanni, Simeone now faces the reality of having his son in his own dressing room.
In the Atlético de Madrid dressing room, Giuliano has found a favourable environment that has facilitated his integration. The presence of fellow Argentinians such as Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina and Ángel Correa has been key to the young forward feeling supported. In addition, Giuliano's obvious affiliation with the red and white team has helped the fans welcome him with open arms.