Diego Simeone slams Spanish Super Cup setting as Atletico face tough crowd in Riyadh

Rob Fleming
11 January 2024

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone didn't hold back his sentiments about the Spanish Super Cup being held in Saudi Arabia, in a post-match press conference.

The clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid unfolded at Al Hilal's Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, where the visibly partisan crowd of fewer than 24,000 fans, predominantly Real Madrid supporters, witnessed a nail-biting encounter that ended 5-3 in favour of Los Blancos after extra time.

Simeone, known for his candid remarks, began the conference acknowledging the support from the Arabian crowd, albeit in a subtly critical tone. "Firstly, I am happy for the people of Arabia who came to support Atletico Madrid. It is good for the club, people who came to support us, and that is important for the growth of the club. Coming to Arabia does us good and makes me happy," he said, hinting at the challenges posed by the predominantly Real Madrid backing in the stands.

Addressing questions about his team's fitness and stamina, Simeone rebuffed suggestions that Atletico were less fit than their rivals. Sporting a wry smile, he attributed his players' energy to the support they received from the stands, even if the cheers were drowned out by the overwhelming pro-Real Madrid crowd. "No, because the people supported us and gave us strength to compete against one of the best teams in the world, we felt that. Today we have shown that we know how to compete," he asserted.

Simeone's critique wasn't directed solely at the Saudi fans but rather at the decision to host the tournament in Riyadh.

Despite the supposed neutrality of the venue, Atletico found themselves practically playing an away game. It was evident that financial gains, with the Spanish Football Federation pocketing €40 million and the participating clubs benefiting financially, were the primary motivations behind choosing Riyadh as the tournament's host city.

In a competition meant to be a showcase of football prowess, the choice of venue added an unexpected challenge for Atletico Madrid, turning the clash with Real Madrid into a de facto away fixture, sparking debate on the impact of such decisions on the essence of neutral competitions.