From a distance, like any other fan, Diego Simeone celebrated Racing’s conquest of the 2024 Copa Sudamericana. While his mind is always on Atlético Madrid, Cholo poured his heart this weekend into the festivities in Avellaneda and highlighted several keys to the title, from team unity to the influence of Gustavo Costas.
“Saturday was an incredible day for me because I reached my 700th match with the club I love. And the club I truly love in Argentina, Racing, has won an international cup again after 36 years. This is an incredible joy for all Racing fans. It’s something that will undoubtedly remain in the memories of everyone forever,” the Atlético Madrid coach expressed with emotion.
Simeone had the opportunity to manage La Academia over a decade ago (in 2006, after his retirement), but back then the sporting and institutional situation was completely different: “The club is in continuous growth. It has been improving for years, with significant investments in the pursuit of better players. Even though I’m not close, you can clearly see that there is work being done that reflects directly on the pitch. They are continually navigating situations where the goal is always to become champions. This is somewhat aligned with what Racing fans always demand.”
Read more:
Couple Goes Viral for Tense Moment at Gimnasia Stadium
Additionally, in a conversation with Olé, he sent a message to everyone who played a part in this achievement: “Congratulations to the executives, the coaching staff, and everyone who has worked hard so that those within the club can achieve successes like this Copa Sudamericana, which fills all of us Racing fans with pride.”
While everyone has been eager to see Racing in this impeccable moment, it is impossible not to highlight the work and sense of belonging of the coach. Simeone praised him greatly: “The other day, when the semifinal was approaching, I was asked who the most important player for Racing was, and I said it was the coach. Why? Because Gustavo Costas has something incredible within the club. He was born there and has a true sense of belonging. I believe that when someone can transmit energy, and without a doubt, besides the talent of the players and the tactical work, there’s a positive energy stemming from Gustavo Costas and his coaching staff.”
Read more:
Thibaut Courtois Invests in eSports Team
He continued with more accolades: “When you have someone who knows where they are, knows what the club wants, knows what the people want, and understands how the team should play, it’s a significant advantage. Gustavo has done it again as a coach. So I send him a huge hug.”
More quotes from Simeone:
- “When that communion with the fans happens, it conveys what is most important: a sense of belonging.”
- “Those of us who are far away enjoy watching the stands move, just like it happened in the stadium, which was truly alive. Seeing that genuinely touched us and made us very happy.”
- “Every Sunday when I went to watch Racing, during the days of Carlos López, Zavagno, Berta, Vasco Olarticoechea, Ropero Díaz… I wouldn’t change that for anything. That time at two in the afternoon, gathering paper shreds in a bag to go with my dad to the stadium, and leaving the car parked in the alleyways around the stadium, I will always remember that.”
Read more:
Mirtha Legrand Celebrates Sudamericana Victory with Maravilla Martínez’s Jersey: “I Am from Racing, Yes Sir”
