Maxi Rodriguez: Simeone deserves a statue in his honour

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone deserves to have a statue built in his honour, the club's former midfielder Maxi Rodriguez has stated.

Simeone took charge of Atletico in 2011 and quickly reshaped the balance of power in La Liga, establishing the outfit as consistent title challengers.

The Argentine famously led Los Rojiblancos to the league crown in 2013-14 and reached the Champions League final that same season an repeating the latter feat two seasons later.

Added to his Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey prizes at Atletico, Newell's Old Boys veteran Maxi believes a statue should be erected to recognise his compatriot's achievements.

"Simeone deserves a statue in his honour," the 35-year-old, who played at Vicente Calderon between 2005 and 2010, told reporters.

"When I was at Atletico, we lacked quality, but a few years ago with Cholo, there has been a great jump in quality. Years ago, it was always a good team, that's for sure. But during my time, it was a sleeping giant.

"With a great tactician like Simeone, now Atletico have nothing to envy of Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"It is difficult to compete with these clubs, but the team set up by El Cholo has already become a La Liga champion and reached two Champions League finals, which is far from easy."

"Simeone is an intelligent, capable and motivational coach. I had the chance to share a few training sessions with him and he has always been the same.

"For him, it's not a job, it's a lifestyle."