'He was lucky to always be accompanied by extraordinary players' - Simeone makes Guardiola submission

Atletico Madrid recorded a 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, April 6 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

A 70th minute stike from Kevin De Bruyne was enough to settle proceedings between the two sides.

However, Diego Simeone side had previously admitted before the game of how fortunate his Spanish rival has been in his coaching career.

Speaking ahead of the game on Tuesday night, Atletico boss Diego Simeone discussed some of the players Pep Guardiola had managed in the past.

The 51-year-old Argentine went on to claim that the Spaniard has been very fortunate to be able to coach some of the world's greatest players.

'' I have never been able to have the chance to have Xavi, Busquets, Piqué, Iniesta, Messi... Beyond Guardiola's great talent, he was lucky to always be accompanied by extraordinary players." Simeone told Vamos in his pre-match interview.

Pep Guardiola has won 29 trophies in a glittering managerial career and has no doubt had access to more financial resources in his clubs than Simeone.

Diego Simeone has been in charge at Los Colchoneros since 2011, winning two La Liga titles and reaching two Champions League finals in that time.

Simeone has spent €1.05 billion - as per Transfermrkt - during his time at Atletico Madrid, while also being forced to sell several star players.

Guardiola on the other hand has spent around €1.76 billion in his time as a manager at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the current Premier League champions - Manchester City.