Former Atletico Madrid coach Gregorio Manzano says the club wouldn't be where it is without Diego Simeone.

Simeone oversaw victory against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Manzano said, "El Cholo was exactly the same as he is now: he was one of the high-ranking members of the team, a good reader of the game, a big personality who could understand and relay orders from the coach. His arrival has transformed Atleti.

"The main protagonists are the players. And behind them they have a coach, Simeone whose leadership is quite clear to see. And also how the club have handled things on the sporting side and ensured Atleti have grown economically - which can be seen in the new stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano and signings like Thomas Lemar."