Diego Pablo Simeone will honor the contract that keeps him with Atlético Madrid through June 2024. The Argentine coach remains on the rojiblanco bench for at least another season, guiding the team from game to game.
Indeed, the coach who has always tied his future to the club and its circumstances tightened his belt by reducing his own financial package from 20 million euros to 16.5, a few months ago. The report comes from the Prensa Ibérica group, citing club sources. After an earlier European exit, this move reaffirmed Simeone’s commitment to Atlético amid the club’s tight financial situation. The club also faced a deficit at the start of the season, lacking the cash from selling players and not reaching the 30 million needed to begin the campaign without ballast.
Frictions with Gil Marín
Months ago there was even talk of extending Simeone’s contract by two more years, deepening the relationship between the Argentinian coach and the rojiblanco club. The figure of 40 million euros still owed to Argentina would then push the agreement to four years rather than two.
The tense climate extended beyond on-pitch results. The relationship between Gil Marín and Simeone had cooled, with disagreements between the club’s manager and the team’s leader adding strain to the dynamic.
Cristiano, Griezmann and Joao
The friction fed rumors about Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential signing, a reinforcement discussed by Gil Marín with Mendes behind Simeone’s back. Months later, Simeone would be asked to accept Griezmann’s return from Barcelona, while managing the exit of Joao Félix. Gil Marín publicly supported Portugal’s continued presence and blamed Simeone for Félix’s departure amid tensions.
There was also a clash in the stands, where Atlético fans clashed with leadership figures, and Simeone found himself caught in the crossfire of those disputes rather than steering the club through them.
After the differences were resolved, the Argentine reaffirmed his intention to complete the contract, a stance he has repeatedly expressed. The club now heralds his tenure as a legend after surpassing Luis Aragonés to become the manager with the most matches for Atlético. The celebration brought together the squad, staff, and the coach’s family as a milestone in twelve seasons that saw Atlético reach unprecedented levels in the club’s history.
Across 613 matches on the rojiblanco bench in all competitions, Simeone oversaw 359 wins, 143 draws, and 111 losses, with 1,004 goals scored and 478 conceded. The current leadership, led by sporting director Andr é Berta, now faces the task of shaping the squad by selling some of the players Gil Marín helped bring in and finding new pieces that will help Atlético reclaim its place among Europe’s elite. The goal remains clear: restore the club to its former laurel and push it back toward top-tier European contention.
Girona-Atletico, today at 9:00
Atlético de Madrid faces Girona this evening at Montilivi for a chance to secure their first win there. The venue has yielded three draws in as many visits, with Simeone on the bench. The coach will likely lean on Memphis Depay and Antoine Griezmann in attack, while Álvaro Morata might start on the bench despite finding the net twice against Sevilla in the previous outing for the Colchoneros.
Atlético arrives in improved form after the World Cup break, showing signs of a strong phase for the season. Following the departures of Joao Félix and Cunha, the team rode a run of five wins in seven games and has avoided relegation concerns for eight consecutive matches. Simeone has helped lead Atlético back toward the La Liga podium with stability and a clear plan to secure a place in the Champions League.
With Girona in the lower half, Atlético aims to consolidate position and push for safety from relegation. A potential lineup adjustment could include Juanpe Ramírez being replaced by David López, and Miguel Gutiérrez may start over others, as the team looks to reinforce the squad for the toughest stretches of the campaign.
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