The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 in taking the then struggling La Liga outfit to brink of European glory.
The 2011/12 campaign will be remembered for the manner in which two Capital clubs from different countries led their former clubs to European cup finals.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058 Pablo Simeone managed a similar feat but in the UEFA Europa League.
The Madrid-based outfit comprehensively beat fellow La Liga side, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863, 5-2 on aggregate, 4-2 and 0-1 in the respective semi-final legs to book a final appearance.
Fondly remembered as El Cholo, Simeone praised the players for their enormous output in both legs and called their feat as heroic. He commented that he is pleased to make way to the finals with a smallish squad that was plagued by injury problems.
Continuing his courtesies, the former River Plate manager dedicated the progress to the fans and Atletico Madrid hierarchy, who have supported the club through thick and thin.
"I am happy for my players, who are making a huge effort," Simeone told reporters. "It is heroic what they are doing, playing twice a week, with a squad which is not too big and has had injuries.
"I am also happy for the club's officials, who have trusted us, and for the fans, who are proud of supporting Atletico tonight."
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marcelo-c23554 Bielsa.
"Athletic are having an extraordinary campaign, reaching the final in the Europa League and in the Copa del Rey," he added.
"I would like to congratulate them. I know Marcelo and this will be a final between friends, but each will obviously want to win."
Unlike Los Leones, Atletico Madrid have a good history in the reformed second tier European club competition, lifting the inaugural trophy two years ago in 2009/10 under the guidance of then manager, Quique Sanchez Flores.
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