Real Madrid’s home atmosphere was called into question by the manager of bitter rival, Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone recently. The Argentine manager also claimed the individual prizes picked up by Modric and Courtois was that of a bias towards Real Madrid, the stars have now responded
‘El Cholo’ fired multiple jabs at Real earlier this week, he claimed that winning the Ballon D’or at Atletico is harder than winning it at Real. He also stated that Courtois won the FIFA Best Goalkeeper as a result of him joining Madrid – citing the example of Keylor Navas winning the FIFA Best Keeper over Courtois the year he also joined Madrid.
He also said that the atmosphere within the Bernabeu isn’t as passionate at the one at Atletico, Bilbao or Sevilla, following the plaudits for the atmosphere generated during the Copa Libertadores final.
His words haven’t gone unnoticed at Real, however. Both Ballon d’Or winner, Luka Modric and FIFA Best Goalkeeper winner, Thibaut Courtois have responded to Simeone.
The FIFA Best and Ballon d’Or winner said: “I can understand Simeone defending one of his own players, Griezmann, and thinking he was the best, but it’s to his detriment that he feels the constant need to belittle Real Madrid and our players. He takes advantage of every opportunity to imply there is something else behind Real Madrid’s triumphs which is totally false.”
Thibaut Courtois, who formerly played for Atletico for three years, also spoke up against his former manager. The Belgian said: “Simeone criticises Madrid so as to be popular with his fans.” He continued “He always does it, attacks Madrid for being the best in the world.”
With both teams very close to each other in the current title race, it is inevitable that this will be the last time that parties from both clubs trade barbs.