Diego Simeone stalls on contract extension, fuelling speculation over Atletico Madrid future
- Rob Fleming
- 4 February 2023
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has sparked rumours about his long-term plans at the La Liga club.
With his current contract set to run until June 2024, the 52-year-old is the longest serving head coach in the league and one of the highest paid in the world.
Since taking the helm in 2011, Simeone has transformed Atletico into a force to be reckoned with, challenging the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Under his leadership, the club has won two La Liga titles (2014, 2021), two Europa League titles (2012, 2018), and reached two Champions League finals (2014, 2016).
Despite this success, Simeone's future at Atletico remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he may be open to a new challenge.
"We're sad not to still be in the Copa and Champions League, but I'm at peace, and that's the best a person can ask for," said Simeone. "Since arriving at the club, I have given everything. I will always give everything, until the last day I am here."
With Atletico trailing Barcelona by 16 points, Simeone's main focus is securing a Champions League qualification for next season.
"I have one and a half years left on my contract, and I will give everything until the last day, and I am very excited for that," he said.
