Marca talks about the friendship between Simeone and Almeida: they shared a dormitory with the national team for 6 years

In the 11th round of La Liga this weekend, Atletico Madrid will face Sevilla at home. The coaches of the two teams, Simeone and Almeida, were teammates of the Argentina national team and have a deep friendship. "Marca" revealed some past events between the two.

Simeone and Almeida shared a dormitory with the Argentina national team for six years, an experience that bonded them forever but also made them realize that they had very different perspectives on life and football. Nonetheless, they worked together for one season at Lazio (1999-00), winning the Serie A title and the UEFA Super Cup together, but personality differences ultimately set them on separate paths.

In fact, part of the reason why Almeida is able to coach Sevilla now is that he rejected the opportunity to become Simeone's assistant. During the 2006 Argentine Spring League, Almeida, who was playing for Estudiantes of La Plata at the time, decided to hang up his boots and become a coach. Almeida actually accepted Simeone's offer but changed his mind just one day later.

Almeida wrote in his autobiography published two years ago: "I was still playing football at the time (although he had announced his retirement a few months ago, he still participated in exhibition games with former national team teammates such as Maradona, and returned to the Oslo Linn club a year later). I agreed, but reneged on it in the afternoon. Except for us In addition to my different views on football, I also wanted to play for a while, and my goal was to become a head coach, not an assistant coach, so I thanked him for the invitation, but ultimately did not accept it."

Simeone wrote in the preface of Almeida's autobiography: "I made this suggestion to Almeida, and it was there. At that time, he was very honest and told me that he was not ready to go down this path, but I always believed that he would become a coach because I saw many qualities in him. He was brave and clear-minded. He always conveyed passion, hard work, tenacity and above all belief to his team. . This is very important because I think the difference between coaches is our ability to convince players. And he is the kind of person who can convince players with his philosophy."

Perhaps it is because of Simeone's dedication to football that he hesitated. Almeida recalled: "We have always had a good relationship, and when I came to Sevilla he came to see me 150 times. Later we shared a dressing room at Lazio and we were often together during that golden period. But we were always very different: Simeone was very professional, even Too professional. He wants to be a role model for everyone, and I have a different opinion. Sometimes I don't like some of his actions, but he is really a good person."

In fact, Almeida always has other interests, while Simeone only focuses on football. Almeida said: "Simone is very obsessed with football. When you sit down and chat with him, he will only talk about football. I'm a little tired of it. I want to talk about things off the court and about life, but he always talks about how Croatia's No. 9 kicks free kicks and Finland's No. 10 kicks."

Simeone said: "I met Almeida in the national team and I quickly developed a deep affection for him. First of all, he is a person: an honest, sincere, real person. In addition, I remember that I quickly recognized his way of playing and his performance on the field. He is a person who gives his all for the team. A strong player that makes us stronger. Among his many advantages, what impressed me most is his extraordinary tackling ability. He also has a great personality, which allows him to occupy an important position in the team."

Simone wrote in his autobiography: "Al. Meda was my roommate during the national team. I like to smoke, but he doesn't like it. He goes to bed at 9 o'clock in the evening, and I like to watch TV. So when I am angry, I will light a cigarette and blow the smoke into his face. "