Simeone Suspended for Frankfurt Clash, Toppmöller Anticipates Tactical Mimicry
FRANKFURT - Atlético Madrid will be without head coach Diego simeone on the sidelines for Thursday’s Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, following his red card and subsequent suspension stemming from the heated return leg against Inter Milan in Liverpool (2-3).Simeone will be forced too watch the match from the stands.
The absence of the notoriously animated Simeone presents a potential shift in dynamics for both teams. eintracht Frankfurt will face a different presence in the Atlético dugout, with co-trainer Nelson Vivas (55) expected to take the reins. This could benefit Frankfurt, as Simeone is known for his notable, direct influence on matches through constant instruction, protest, and provocation.
However,Eintracht manager Dino Toppmöller (44) believes Simeone’s impact won’t be entirely absent. “He will instruct someone in his coaching team to put on exactly the same show on the sidelines as he does,and thus motivate the team,” Toppmöller stated the day before the crucial match. Toppmöller anticipates Simeone will provide specific behavioral guidelines to his stand-in, aiming to replicate his usual sideline energy. forward Jonathan Burkardt (25) expressed regret at missing the opportunity to witness Simeone’s characteristic displays firsthand, joking, “I would have liked to have experienced that live on the sidelines.”
Historically, Simeone remains undefeated at home against German opposition. Though, he suffered a notable defeat in the 2020 Champions League quarterfinal against RB Leipzig, then coached by Julian Nagelsmann, during the tournament held in Lisbon amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Dino Toppmöller was a coach at Leipzig at that time.
Burkardt remains optimistic about Frankfurt’s chances, stating, “Why shouldn’t we be able to win? We can beat any opponent.” Eintracht Frankfurt boasts a historical victory over Atlético, having defeated them 2-1 in the 1975 Cup Winners’ Cup, with a brace from club legend Bernd Hölzenbein.
Adding to the positive outlook for Frankfurt, the appointed referee, Slavko Vincic (45), officiated their 2022 Europa League final victory against Glasgow, and is familiar with the club’s potential for success in European competition.
