In twelve years, no one suggested that El Cholo might leave Atlético, according to comments by the Atleti president on Radio Marca.
Enrique Cerezo, president of Atletico de Madrid, granted an interview on Radio Marca to share updates from the capital club.
During the conversation, he addressed Simeone’s contract extensions and the talks underway, while confirming that Atlético is in talks about bringing Mateu Alemany on board. He also noted that the red-and-white side could have three Champions League titles, yet currently does not.
These stand out as Cerezo’s most notable remarks on Radio Marca.
The possible arrival of Mateu Alemany. “All I know is that negotiations are taking place to allow him to work at Atlético de Madrid.”
The pressure Xavi faces. “Managing it in football is very tough. If you carry it with you or with someone else, it becomes extremely complicated. I understand Xavi; the pressure is immense. But he has faced it throughout his life and has handled it remarkably well. The pressure is part of the game, and one must bear it.”
The Simeone phenomenon. “The Cholo era in Spain is a unique event. It’s hard to recall many coaches who have lasted fifteen years. He is going through it and succeeding. I know the Ferguson example at Manchester United, and I think it’s a beautiful, remarkable story. It’s wonderful that this continuity yields benefits for everyone involved at Atlético de Madrid.”
What El Cholo represents as a destination. “First: he is a hard worker. Second: he loves what he does. Third: he is intelligent and knows exactly how to conduct himself in every situation. And fourth, he has become deeply tied to Atlético de Madrid, its fans, and its players, making it easy for him to stay.”
Continuity. “In the next twelve to fifteen years, no one has suggested El Cholo should leave Atlético. I have said it and will repeat it: El Cholo will remain at Atlético as long as he desires.”
Renewal. “The only challenge was the salary reduction because I stayed with Atlético de Madrid. It’s a shame to hear otherwise. We have had a coach who may have earned the most, but he has given us the most titles. It’s true that he may have been the best paid coach in the world, because he deserved it, because of the titles he won, and because we all stood with him. For us, he was paid well, and we managed to compensate him accordingly. Paying or not paying was our prerogative, not the public’s. We are the ones who must fund his contract, and we always meet our obligations, especially with him. It’s nothing short of a miracle that we could fulfill everything we promised, because he earned it and deserves it.”
Koke’s extension. “I don’t know when Koke’s opponent will win, but I believe there will be no problems. We aim to act sensibly, and those close to Koke know what to do.”
Ambitions. “Every season the dream is to win the ultimate prize. Yet reality adjusts those dreams. We claimed the league title when the three points were secured, even when there were no spectators and the pandemic disrupted the fields. Now, as fields fill again, there is a path to becoming champions once more. Why not?”
The competition. “Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético share a common starting line. We may be slightly ahead because there is still a match left; winning it would improve our position. It’s about luck, then strategy and execution on the pitch. Luck accounts for roughly 30%, with the rest coming from how well a team plays and how it finishes the season.”
Madrid and Barcelona. “If Atlético is going to win La Liga, it must not falter. Then the result will speak for itself. It would be interesting to hear Real Madrid and Barcelona respond to that question. To win La Liga, one must overcome setbacks.”
On champions. “We could have three Champions Leagues, but we don’t. The reason is not that the opposition played better; sometimes luck favored others by scoring more goals or earning more penalties, and in our case, that’s where things went differently.”