Diego Simeone Set to Sign New Atletico Madrid Contract: Latest News and Rumours
Diego Simeone has reportedly signed a new contract with Atletico Madrid, although confirmation is yet to come from the capital-based club.
The Argentinian boss—who led Los Rojiblancos to the 2013-14 La Liga title and reached last season's UEFA Champions League final—joined Atletico in 2011 and has won five trophies with the club so far.
Continue for updates.
Simeone Reportedly Signs New Deal
Friday, March 20
Spanish publication Marca reports Simeone inked his new deal on Wednesday. Alberto R. Barbero indicates the boss will remain with Atletico until 2020, flanked by his trusted staff:
"This agreement includes the manager himself and all his entourage, made up of German Burgos and Juan Vizcaino as his assistants, Oscar Ortega, Carlos Menendez and Ivan Rafael Díaz Infante as his physios, Pablo Vercellone as the goalkeeping coach and Jose Luis Pasques as his personal spokesperson to the press.
It was precisely the inclusion of these people, with their corresponding salaries, in the deal that was the last detail to be tied up before pen was finally put to paper late Wednesday evening.
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Simeone Extension Possible in 'Coming Days'
Wednesday, March 18
David Amoyal, writer on behalf of Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio, provided comments from Simeone's sister and agent, Natasha. She suggested an agreement was imminent in a chat with Teledeporte after Atletico moved beyond Bayer Leverkusen via a penalty shootout win in the Champions League round of 16 (h/t Amoyal):
"Extension? We'll have good news in the coming days, the fans will be very happy. He really believes in his work and that of of his players, he was confident about tonight. Hard work always pays off. Simeone always put his passion in everything, the day he no longer does that he'll do something else.
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Sky Sports highlighted exactly why Atletico fans will welcome his extended tenure:
Recent speculation has linked Simeone with a move away, so a new deal would certainly bring peace to a potentially stressful situation for the club.
As reported by John Cross of the Mirror, faltering Premier League champions Manchester City are rumoured to be among those weighing up a move for Simeone's services. ESPN FC writer Jonathan Johnson believes Paris Saint-Germain have been courting the 44-year-old:
Simeone has drilled Atletico into an industrious, creative side that is difficult to beat. Although the Spanish champions have struggled to overcome the summer loss of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois, Atletico are just one point behind third-place Valencia.
This position should mark Simeone's objective for the campaign, a season in which Real Madrid and leaders Barcelona have enjoyed far more firepower throughout their squads.
Confirmation of a new deal will allow Simeone to once again build toward a massive payoff with the club. He won the Spanish division in his second full season in charge and is currently resculpting Atletico to deal with their aforementioned departures.
Atletico are unlikely to find a more passionate, meticulous manager when Simeone decides to leave. News of a contract extension could provide a massive boost heading into the summer, when Simeone can begin to recruit quality players who will help define his lasting legacy at the club.
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