‘I am very happy. It is not easy’, says Simeone on reaching 500 matches with Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Pablo Simeone said he was 'very happy' to have reached 500 matches in charge of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Simeone replaced Gregorio Manzano in 2011 after managing Racing Club, Catania, River Plate, Estudiantes and San Lorenzo.

Simeone has transformed Atletico into one of the top teams in Europe since the former player returned to the club to become its coach nine years ago. He has guided it to two Europa League titles, one Spanish league, one Copa del Rey, along with two Champions League final appearances.

Atletico beat Getafe 1-0 with Luis Suarez scoring the winner.

Atletico’s third win in a row left it two points above Madrid, which saw its five-game league winning streak end at Elche. Atletico also has two games in hand on Madrid.

(IMAGE CREDITS:AP)