Will Never Coach 'Real Madrid, Barcelona', Says Former Argentina Goalkeeper

Diego Simeone’s long-time assistant Germán "Mono" Burgos, who is set to begin his stint as a head coach, has said he will never manage FC Barcelona and Real Madrid because of his "sense of belonging".

Burgos, who was a goalkeeper during his playing days, was teammates with Simeone at Atletico Madrid and Argentina national team. The 51-year-old began his coaching career in 2010 by managing amateur players at Spanish club RCD Carabanchel. Burgos then linked up with El Cholo (Simone’s nickname) as an assistant coach at Italian club Catania and Argentina’s Racing Club before the two landed at their former team Atletico, this time as its head and assistant coach.

The duo arrived in the Spanish capital in 2011 and had been together before Burgos decided to part ways and pursue his ambition of becoming a head coach. Simeone and Burgos helped Atletico to glory in 2013-14. Atletico’s final league match of the season was against Barcelona at Nou Camp with the latter three points behind Simone’s boys. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, handing Atletico its first league victory in 18 years.

Burgos, who represented River Plate for five years as a player, wants to manage the Argentine club in the future.

In an interview with GDM Radio, the former goalkeeper has admitted he is looking to remain in Spain for a few years before trying to bag the River Plate managerial job.

"First, I will coach in Spain, and then, one day if the opportunity arises, I will coach River Plate, but I will never take charge of Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Boca Juniors because of my sense of belonging. Doing such a thing would mean I was breaking my word. I've had interesting conversations with great teams; I'm preparing together with my coaching staff and I wanted to take a gamble," Burgos said, Spanish publication Marca reported, quoting the GDM Radio interview.

After working for nine long years with Simone at Atletico, Burgos had only nice things to say about his former Argentina teammate.

"You have to solve things and be close to the players, we have a great relationship. I sent him a message, and I understand that everyone has to start somewhere," Burgos added in the same GDM Radio interview.