Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone are undoubtedly a success story – and one that will now last even longer
As the Colchoneros announced on Thursday, the Argentine has extended his contract by a further three years until 2027. According to Spanish media reports, Simeone has agreed to the contract extension at a reduced salary. Madrid are delighted with the extension and are only too happy to point out that they are enjoying one of the most successful periods in the club’s history under Simeone.
The Argentinian has been in charge at Atletico since 2011, during which time the now 53-year-old has experienced highs and lows – and celebrated great successes: he won the league twice with the Rojiblancos (2013/14 and 2020/21), the national cup once (2:1 n. V. against Real Madrid) and the Europa League twice (2011/12 against Athletic Bilbao and 2017/18 against Olympique Marseille). He also led Madrid to the final of the Champions League twice – but they lost both finals to city rivals Real Madrid (1:4 defeat n. V. in the 2013/4 season and 3:5 i. E. in the 2015/16 season)
Strong performances with Atletico
Simeone played for Atletico for a long time as a player, playing 98 games between 1994 and 1997 and 36 between 2003 and 2005, but that is no comparison to what he has achieved as a coach. Last season, he surpassed Luis Aragones as the club’s record-breaking coach. To date, “El Cholo” has been on the sidelines for 642 Atletico Madrid games – 380 of which were won.
Consistency is the key word: since he took over, Atletico have qualified for the top flight every year – an achievement that only Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris St. Germain have managed in the past eleven years.
Atletico are currently running a little behind the music in La Liga, occupying fourth place in the table, six points behind sensational leaders Girona (31 points), behind perennial rivals Real Madrid (29) and FC Barcelona (27). In the Champions League, they are in first place in Group E with eight points after four matchdays, ahead of Lazio Roma (7), Feyenoord Rotterdam (6) and Celtic Glasgow (1).
