Trippier on Simeon: He’s obsessed with football. He used to call me even when I was asleep

Diego Simeone is a well-known football stormtrooper who gets very emotional every game. Even Kieran Trippier remembers this, claiming that the Argentine is obsessed with football.

Simeone will be in England on Tuesday night, where he and Atlético will challenge Manchester United in a Champions League eight-final rematch. Meanwhile, he still had one England international in his squad until the winter, only Kieran Trippier decided to return home in January and now plays for Newcastle.

However, he has only the best memories of his time in Madrid. Last year he helped the Colchoneros break the domination of Real Madrid and Barcelona and lifted the league title above their heads. And although the Englishman doesn’t really make his mark abroad and doesn’t feel that comfortable there, that wasn’t the case for Trippier.

“Atlético is like a family,” Trippier said in an interview with the BBC. And, of course, he couldn’t avoid questions about the boisterous Simeone.

“The way you see him on the touchline, that’s how he is every day in training. He’s incredibly emotional, I’d say he’s obsessed with football. Sometimes he even called me when I was asleep,” says the 31-year-old right-back.

He also confirmed that hard work is Simeone’s first priority. And he doesn’t care about name, salary, statistics or anything else.

“He is relentless in training. Simply, if you don’t work hard enough, you won’t play,” assures the former Atlético full-back. “I respect him very much. His speeches are incredible. He had a huge influence on me,” Trippier adds.

Simeone has a chance to slip into the last eight with Atlético. He will take a 1-1 draw to Old Trafford from the first leg and be sure to have another emotional game at the touchline.

Source: Marca, BBC