Simeone, candidate for 2014's "Coach of the Year"
The Argentinian has been nominated by FIFA for the award of World Coach of the Year. An award that will be decided in Zurich on January 12th in the same gala as the Golden Ball, for which Diego Costa and Courtois opt. For his part, Saúl Ñíguez has been nominated for the Golden Boy.
The great work that is being carried out by Diego Pablo Simeone with our team keeps getting recognition. FIFA has just made official the list of the ten candidates that will compete for 2014's "Coach of the Year" award.
On December 1st, both FIFA and France Football magazine will announce the three shortlisted coaches that have been most voted and will opt for said award at the gala to be held in Zurich on January 12th.
The Argentinian coach shares candidacy with Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Real Madrid CF), Antonio Conte (Italy/Juventus/Italian national team), Pep Guardiola (Spain/FC Bayern de Múnich), Juergen Klinsmann (Germany/USA national team), Joachim Löw (Germany/German national team), Manuel Pellegrini (Chile/Manchester City FC), Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Chelsea FC), Alejandro Sabella (Argentina/Argentinian national team) and Louis Van Gaal (Netherlands/Dutch national team/Manchester United FC).
Recognition to the red and white work
At the same time, the list of 40 players that will fight for the 2014 Golden Boy has been made official. A trophy that rewards U21 football players and where Saúl Ñíguez could not be missing. Atlético's home-grown player is nominated along with players such as Gerard Deulofeu (Sevilla), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Munir El Haddai (Barcelona) and Sandro Ramírez (Barcelona).
This award, created by the Italian magazine 'Tuttosport' in 2003 and where journalists from the most relevant newspapers in Europe vote, recognises the work of young players who have been most outstanding in the last season.
In addition, Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa are between the 23 preselected players by FIFA for 2014's Golden Ball. The impossible saves of the Belgian goalkeeper and the scoring instinct of the Spaniard, together with the League title obtained in the past 2013-14 season, will be the letter of presentation for the players that defended the red and white shirt until this summer.
As well as the award for 2014's "Coach of the Year", on December 1st we will get to know the three finalists who will opt for the Golden Ball.