Why Ricardo La Volpe resents Diego Simeone: the 2006 Apertura that started it all

Ricardo La Volpe has taken another public swipe at Diego Simeone. The 74-year-old Argentine coach used an appearance on DSports Radio to say he would rather switch channels than watch Atletico Madrid play. Behind those words lies a story that began two decades ago, when a young Simeone making his coaching debut snatched an Argentine league title away from La Volpe's Boca Juniors.

La Volpe's latest attack on Simeone on DSports Radio

During the interview, La Volpe did not hold back when discussing the style of play promoted by the Atletico Madrid manager. "If Simeone's team is playing, I change the channel or go for a coffee with my friends. I don't like coaches who look to counter-attack well, I don't watch it," he said.

This is far from the first time the veteran coach has aimed digs at his compatriot. Every so often, La Volpe finds a platform to question the work of El Cholo, an attitude that has become routine over the years.

The 2006 Apertura: the match that changed everything

To understand La Volpe's bitterness, you have to go back to Argentine football in 2006. That year, Boca Juniors and Estudiantes de La Plata finished level at the top of the Torneo Apertura and had to meet in a playoff to decide the champion.

The stakes were enormous for both sides. Boca were chasing a third consecutive league title, while Estudiantes had gone 23 years without lifting one. In the visitors' dugout sat Simeone, living his first experience as a professional head coach.

The Estudiantes comeback that ended La Volpe's Boca spell

Boca struck first through Martin Palermo in the fourth minute. Everything seemed to be falling into place for La Volpe's side, but Estudiantes responded with goals from Jose Sosa and Mariano Pavone. The comeback left Boca without the title and made Simeone the story of the day.

The criticism of La Volpe was immediate. Losing a championship to a first-time coach in a decisive match had direct consequences for his position. A change on the bench at La Bombonera soon followed.

From that playoff to the current feud

The relationship between the two has been broken ever since. La Volpe never digested that sporting blow and has turned Simeone into the target of his public criticism. Meanwhile, El Cholo has built a successful career at Atletico Madrid, where he continues to add achievements season after season.

If Simeone's team is playing, I change the channel or go for a coffee with my friends.

What Simeone is building at Atletico Madrid

Away from the controversy, Simeone keeps Atletico Madrid among Europe's elite. His project has brought stability to the club and he continues to expand his trophy record as the Rojiblancos' manager. La Volpe, for his part, has not coached for years and his media presence is increasingly associated with this kind of statement.