Speaking ahead of Atletico Madrid’s final match of the 2025-26 season against Villarreal, the Argentine described the campaign as one of the most demanding of his career.
He explained that the nonstop pressure, expectations and packed football calendar create a “snowball” effect that can wear down even the strongest managers.
"The truth is that yesterday I read a bit of what Guardiola said, his explanation in the press conference, and, if you changed the name – I clearly haven't won the trophies he has won – but I felt very identified with the story he was telling and which he explained very well," Simeone told reporters.
"With the consequence of having to be exposed every three days, competing every three days, especially talking to the players for their involvement in the game beyond training sessions, the group management and all this generate a snowball that does not stop, which starts again two days after the game you last competed in.
"It is a long season, in which I think, as we have explained, we competed very well. Hopefully next season can be better, which would mean something superior to what we achieved this season."