Hancko's Agent Praises Simeone for Key Aspect, Says He Matched Lobotka and Kiwior

He's coming off a fantastic season and a remarkably successful entry into one of Europe's most lucrative football environments.

Dávid Hancko captivated both officials and fans of Atlético Madrid. Alongside captain Koke and departing star striker Antoine Griezmann, he became the club's most utilized player. Atlético consistently ranks just behind the two absolute giants in Spain – city rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

In addition to 30 La Liga appearances, the reigning Slovak Footballer of the Year also featured in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, bringing his total match load to an impressive 50. More importantly, the 28-year-old native of Prievidza impressed not only with the quantity of his performances but, crucially, with their quality!

Not to mention, even at this elite level, he demonstrated what has long been known about him – his ability to perform equally well as a central defender and on the left side of the defense.

"Dávid has established himself at an excellent club, but it's no surprise. He arrived prepared and is a former captain of both Sparta Prague and Feyenoord Rotterdam. He immediately secured a leadership position, which is natural for him, both in football and in his personal life," Hancko's agent, Branislav Jašurek, told ŠPORT.sk.

For the 59-cap Slovak international, this might not even be his peak. On the contrary, next season could turn out even better.

"Yes, especially regarding team results. This year, they failed to succeed in the domestic cup final (Atlético lost to Real Sociedad in a penalty shootout, editor's note). Dávid was injured at the time and couldn't play, which was a great shame," Jašurek recalled one of the season's highlights for Madrid's "Los Colchoneros," as the club is nicknamed.

Another came shortly after: the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal London. Hancko was present for that match, although he wasn't yet 100% fit.

"Despite an ankle injury, he played in those games. The elimination was a bit unlucky. A penalty situation, which could be heavily debated, proved decisive," Jašurek asserts with hindsight.

It wasn't long ago that Dávid Hancko's career could have taken a completely different turn. One only needs to recall the events of last summer. Although his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where he was set to become a teammate of iconic Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, seemed a done deal, it surprisingly fell through at the last minute.

"Perhaps if he had played for Al Nassr, he would have been a champion and received a bonus. However, I detest 'what if' scenarios. It is what it is, and I don't think anyone is complaining. Neither Dávid Hancko, nor the Slovak national team and its coach Vlado Weiss, nor Braňo Jašurek," stated the renowned FIFA-licensed Slovak player agent.

Atlético Madrid boasts significant personalities not only on the pitch but has also been led for a long time by one of the most charismatic coaches in world football. This makes it even more remarkable that Dávid Hancko quickly earned a high degree of trust from him.

"Diego Simeone is an experienced coach who has been at Atlético for almost 15 years and knows exactly when the season is decided. I think, considering the club bought many players and practically assembled a new team, he rotated the squad very well and managed to create an environment where 22 players were constantly 'in.' Perhaps that's why they got to where they are," Branislav Jašurek praised the abilities of the experienced Argentine coaching strategist.

According to him, long-term team cohesion is something that cannot simply be replaced.

"It's a shame they didn't achieve success by winning a trophy. I was personally at both Champions League semi-final matches, and Arsenal wasn't the better team in either of them. It's a pity, perhaps we'll regret it for a long time. However, the new season brings a new chance," Jašurek doesn't despair.

The reason is clear.

"Dávid is happy in Madrid, and I am happy too. It was an amazing season. He provided us with as many memorable moments as Stanislav Lobotka did in the past, and Jakub Kiwior last year. From our agency's perspective, we can only thank him for that," added the former professional footballer, who also played in Germany and the Baltics. In Slovakia, fans might remember him from his time at AS Trenčín.