Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier was a player under Diego Simeone, and he spoke out on the True Geordie podcast about the unique tactics the manager used to lead the club to their 11th league title.
In an unorthodox measure to secure the title, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone forbade his players from saying "good morning." Kieran Trippier has spoken out about his time under Simeone.
Trippier joined Simeone at Atletico Madrid in 2019 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur. He helped the team win La Liga the following season.
The England full-back, who has since returned to his homeland, was Newcastle United's first signing when its new Saudi Arabian owners took over the club in October.
Trippier, who is now sidelined, appeared on the True Geordie podcast and discussed his experience in Spain with the maverick manager.
Trippier, Kieran
In 2019, Kieran Trippier moved to Atletico Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur.
Simeone is well-known for his off-field theatrics, including sprinting onto the field to confront his own player after a brawl.
Trippier has now admitted that the importance of winning motivates him to use unconventional approaches.
"We weren't allowed to say 'good morning' after Christmas." That was the manager's statement. From Christmas on, we had to say 'champions,'" he recalled, citing one example.
"At Christmas, he set the tone for the team. We weren't permitted to say good morning because he was adamant that "we're going to be champions," including the physios and everyone else.
Trippier said Diego Simeone banned two terms to assist his team win La Liga.
"Every game from Christmas onwards, all the physios [were] coming in, all wearing Atletico Madrid shirts."
The full-back also recalled how banners and photos of the team from when they were younger were hung to motivate them to win the title race.
Whether by coincidence or not, the technique was instrumental in Atletico Madrid's 11th league triumph, which was sealed by a Luis Suarez goal on the final day of the season.
Trippier was effusive in his admiration for Simeone after leaving Atletico Madrid to become Newcastle United's first marquee signing in January.
Kieran Trippier and Diego Simeone
Trippier commended Simeone for assisting him in his development.
"My experiences in Spain have completely transformed me," says the manager. "I can't say enough positive things about him," he concluded.
"He's simply weird, he's just mental." That's how he is in training when you see him on the sidelines."
Atletico has struggled to repeat their success from last season, as they presently sit fourth in La Liga, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
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