5 lesser known facts about Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone

5) He thinks Mascherano is better than him

Mascherano is the second most capped Argentinian international after Javier Zanetti.

Simeone is not one of those people who will mince their words and he calls it like he sees it. His candor is almost infectious and the Argentinian does not mind admitting if he thinks someone is better than him.

He was once asked whether he would pick himself or fellow countryman Javier Mascherano in Argentina’s playing XI. Without batting an eyelid, Simeone replied, “Mascherano, because he’s better!”

“Listen, I wasn't a No. 5 like him, I was more of a box-to-box player. Actually, if it was my team then I'd play every game, with either Mascherano or Veron alongside me depending on the match.“