Simeone's side beat Chelsea 3-1 with a commanding performance in the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and he ended his post-match press conference with the unexpected tribute.
“I want to congratulate the mothers of these players, because they gave them big balls to play like this," he said.
"The reaction of the team will stick in people's memories."
Simeone added his players relished the chance of meeting Real Madrid in the Champions League final next month even though they have less experience on the big stage than their powerful city rivals.
"The reality is that we know each other very well. We will be playing against a very powerful club who are used to these big nights.
"It's been a long time since we were in such a position so we are very happy and excited to be there."
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he felt the difference between his side and Atletico was that Simeone had been building the Spanish league leaders for three years and he had been back at Chelsea only one season.
"It's the difference between one year and three and it's a big difference...they are a very good side, very adapted to the ideas of this manager - every player fits his idea of how to play," he said.
EUROSPORT'S VIEW
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The two most important players in
Chelsea's future might have been on the pitch last night wearing red
and white. It might just be time for Thibaut Courtois
to take his place in the Chelsea goal from next season. That's harsh on
Petr Cech who is still a top goalkeeper, but Courtois is outstanding
and still only 21. He could be the Chelsea stopper for the next 15
years, and the club needs to start showing they believe that. While up
front is where Chelsea really need surgery and Diego Costa could be the blockbuster summer signing that fits the bill.
As for Simeone and Atletico, they will find it hard to replicate what
they have done next season, especially if they lose Costa and Courtois.
Simeone will no doubt be linked with bigger jobs – Barcelona and Manchester United
being two such examples. However, you do feel Simeone and Atletico are a
perfect marriage. They are a collective David spoiling for a fight with
Goliath up the road at the Bernabeu. It would be fitting reward for
this side if they took home at least one trophy, and if they do, whether
it be La Liga or the Champions League, Simeone has to be considered
European football's manager of the year.WHAT THE MEDIA SAID
Barney Ronay (The Guardian): It
seems a shame to focus on Chelsea's failings. As Koke and Turan began
to find their stride, Juanfran attacked energetically and Costa radiated
a bicep-flexing menace, it was easy to see why Atletico have provided
such a thrillingly concentrated presence in La Liga. They are an
inspiring team built from parts and off-cuts and a core of excellent
mature Spanish players. There may be a rush to junk Mourinho among those
irritated by his demeanour and his win-at-all-costs approach which,
when it fails, leaves him with no aesthetic ideals, no economic
principles to hide behind. Perhaps the modern supermanager is a myth in
itself: two of them have gone down now in the last two days but at the
end here Mourinho was duly deferential towards a beautifully balanced
opposition who are worthy finalists.
Matt Dickinson (The Times): The snappy gear, the arms spread out in triumph, the manic dash down the touchline. Diego Simeone
might have been paying tribute to Jose Mourinho when he danced down the
side of the pitch at Stamford Bridge last night — imitation as flattery
— unless, of course, he was rubbing it in. Either way, it was history
repeating itself. An unfashionable team punching a big one on the nose
in the Champions League, and their up-and-coming, punkish manager
revelling in the moment with a sprint of ecstasy.
Good for Mourinho..atleast he will shut his mouth now.
ReplyDeletehahahahaha..the failed one.
ReplyDeleteAll you haters of Chelsea should go and kiss the Transformer.
ReplyDeleteHala Atletico
ReplyDelete