“He’d Kick the Crap Out of Young Players”: Quinton Fortune Reveals Diego Simeone’s Tough Love at Atletico Madrid

South African football legend Quinton Fortune has offered an intriguing insight into what it was like playing alongside Diego Simeone during their time at Atletico Madrid, revealing how the Argentine midfielder used a tough approach to help younger players understand the demands of professional football.

Fortune, who represented Bafana Bafana during his playing career, reflected on the experience of sharing a dressing room with Simeone, who has since established himself as one of the most respected and intense coaches in European football.

According to Fortune, Simeone was not the type of senior player who would allow younger teammates to take things easy. Instead, the Argentine demanded discipline, commitment and a strong mentality, ensuring that emerging footballers understood the standards expected at the highest level.

The South African's description of Simeone's approach was particularly striking, as he recalled how the Argentine could be extremely physical and uncompromising with younger players.

“He'd kick the crap out of young players,” Fortune said, offering a glimpse into the demanding environment in which they played together.

Although the remark may sound harsh to modern audiences, it highlights the intensity that characterised football dressing rooms during that period. Experienced players were often expected to guide younger teammates through discipline, competition and direct confrontation.

For Fortune, playing alongside someone like Simeone provided valuable exposure to the mentality required to compete at the highest level of European football.

Fortune and Simeone's time together at Atletico Madrid came during a memorable period in the Spanish club's history. Fortune joined Atletico in January 1996 and experienced the competitive environment surrounding the team's historic league and Copa del Rey double in the 1995/96 season.

The South African was determined to make his mark, and the experience offered him an early introduction to the demands of elite European football. Fortune also recalled how he and fellow young player Veljko Paunovic responded to Simeone's aggressive approach rather than simply accepting it.

“We gave a bit of it back. We were hungry,” Fortune recalled.

Their response reflected the mentality required of young footballers trying to establish themselves in a competitive first-team environment. Talent alone was not enough; players also needed resilience, courage and the willingness to stand their ground.

Simeone's influence on Atletico Madrid has continued long after his playing career ended. Since becoming the club's head coach in 2011, the Argentine has built a team renowned for its organisation, intensity and competitive spirit. His demanding personality has become a defining feature of Atletico's identity.

For South African football supporters, Fortune's recollection is another reminder of the journey he enjoyed after leaving home to pursue his European career. He later joined Manchester United, where he played under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and won three Premier League titles.

Ultimately, Fortune's story highlights the importance of mental strength, discipline and learning from experienced teammates. While football's approach to player development continues to evolve, his memories of Simeone illustrate the intensity that shaped the Argentine long before he became one of Europe's most recognisable managers.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2111084815613092094