Simeone hails Cuti Romero's authority and leadership at Atlético

Answering a question from Nacho Donado at his press conference, Simeone revealed the club came close to signing Cuti Romero two years ago and described him as a different kind of footballer who leads with humility.

Nacho Donado, on behalf of El Club Uría, asked Simeone about the balance the coach had called for at the start of the season and about Cuti Romero's role on and off the pitch. He gave an example: when Lenormand came on, Cuti was the first to encourage him after a clearance.

Simeone responded with a confession: they wanted Cuti two years ago, came close to getting him and, unfortunately, had to wait one more year. He described him as a different kind of footballer, with authority, personality and leadership, qualities which, he said, cannot be explained: you either have them or you don't.

The coach stressed that the centre-back exercises that leadership with humility, respect for his teammates and an awareness that he has only just arrived, but that match by match he is showing the footballer he is.