The Colombian international scored two goals in the UEFA Europa League final for Atletico Madrid against Athletic Bilbao to lift the trophy for the second time in three years.
Gregorio Manzano vacated the managerial position at the Vicente Calderon in favour of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058 Pablo Simeone.
The fortunes of the Capital club have dramatically changed since then, lifting the UEFA Europa League title in the march towards the end of season, while also standing on the brink of qualifying for the next edition of Champions League.
Despite leaving Los Rojiblancos in acrimonious conditions, Manzano still holds Atleti and his 40 million Euro signing in high regard. The former Sevilla manager was in awe of Falcao and could not restrain himself from praising him.
The 56-year-old tactician highlighted the prolific attacker for his uncanny ability to score from tight angles and rise to the occasion in high profile matches.
Manzano stated that he is happy to be a part of the project that culminated in UEFA Europa League honours and added that Atletico Madrid are the deserved champions of the second tier European knockout club competition.
"Falcao has a tremendous eye for goal, and has proven his ability to score against a similarly high-profile team," he said.
"I am very happy for the project I started last year. Winning the Europa League has been a wonderful climax," Manzano noted.
Atletico Madrid have improved from the 13th place Manzano left at and currently occupy 5th position in the Primera Division points table. Los Rojiblancos have accumulated 53 points from their season’s toils.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Calderon-based outfit can qualify for UEFA Champions League if they win their next match against Villarreal, and hope that other results go in their favour.
Manzano stated that the Yellow Submarine are a tough team and believe the fixture will not be easy. He added that Atletico will have to focus on the match to claim maximum points to solidify their dreams of playing in the elite European club competition.
"While a European title is something to be taken into account, Villarreal will not be easy. The team has to turn their attention to address the game immediately.”
La Liga fixture between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal is scheduled for May 12 at El Madrigal.
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