Berizzo vs Simeone: clash of the Argentine titans

Eduardo Berizzo vs Diego Simeone. El Toto vs El Cholo. This meeting of two kindred spirits, colourful characters who are steeped in football, headlines one of the biggest games of this coming matchday. It is a clash of two Argentine titans who have left an indelible imprint on LaLiga with their personality.

RC Celta and Atletico Madrid face off in Vigo this Saturday in what has all the makings of an intriguing battle between two sides with plenty in common, and with two old friends and foes in the hotseats. The parallels between the two teams under the Argentinian duo have typically resulted in fascinating, hard-fought affairs when their charges lock horns, a fact that is reflected in their head-to-head results. Berizzo and Simeone have racked up two victories apiece and two draws in their six encounters in the LaLiga dugouts, the first of which came in 2014/15.

Over the course of the past two seasons, Berizzo and Simeone – who lined up together for the Albiceleste and pitted their wits against each other at club level during their playing days – have both evidenced their fervent passion for the game and an ability to impose their infectious characters on to their sides, whilst harbouring an obsession with tactical perfection. Both coaches are iconic figures for their respective teams' supporters, for whom they represent the very essence of their clubs. This matchday the pair will once again be looking to outfox each other, as they seek to claim the upper hand in their head-to-head duel.

During his time at Balaidos, Augusto Fernandez was very much seen as Berizzo's voice out on the pitch. However, during the last winter transfer window, El Cholo came calling and the opportunity was simply too good for the Argentine anchorman to turn down. Fernandez is an in-your-face enforcer who offers real bite in the middle of the park, which embodies exactly the sort of qualities that both managers look for in a holding midfielder. There is a mutual respect between the two tacticians, summed up by Berizzo's remark that, "Simeone is a real role model for me as a coach." This weekend's clash sees the latest instalment of a battle between former teammates in what's sure to be a thrilling contest, both on the field and on the touchline.