It would be too naive to believe the game of football starts and ends with the ref’s whistle and that those 90 minutes is the only time given to coaches to impose their strategies.Just have a look at the great and cunning mind of Atletico Madrid tactician Diego Paolo Simeone, who’s thoroughly enjoying his little mind games ahead of their tonight’s Champions League clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.When we win, I’m a visionary. When I lose, I’m an idiotCholo is aware of City’s strength and qualities that go far beyond Atletico’s regular opponents. That’s why the Argentine-born gaffer is doing his best to shake things up a bit and cause Guardiola to lose his balance at least a bit prior to this UCL 1/4 finals two-leg tie. Trippier reveals he got phone calls from Simeone while he was asleepHas he succeeded? Probably not, but his no-nonsense approach will definitely reach Pep’s ears…”The thing is that I have never had the opportunity to coach Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets in the teams I led. And that while they were still young. “Guardiola’s talent aside, but he was fortunate to be surrounded by all those great players,” said Cholo.Shots fired. That’s for sure. Let’s see if there are any left for the Emirates Stadium.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEQuarter-final, first legTuesday22.00: (1.40) Man.City (4.90) Atl.Madrid (9.00)22.00: (8.00) Benfica (4.70) Liverpool (1.45)Wednesday22.00: (2.15) Chelsea (3.35) Real Madrid (3.80)22.00: (5.60) Villareal (4.00) Bayern (1.67)***odds are subject to change
