ATLETICO MADRID are reportedly considering SACKING long-serving boss Diego Simeone after a growing internal rift over transfers.
The Argentine has been in charge of the Rojiblancos for nearly 15 years.
But his position is now under serious scrutiny following a strained relationship with new sporting chief Mateu Alemany, according to Spanish outlet Diario Sport.
Clear differences in vision between Simeone and Alemany came about during the winter transfer window.
This is just four months after the Alemany’s appointment as Atletico’s Director of Football.
Those disagreements have spilled into the public domain, souring relations behind the scenes and casting doubt over Simeone’s long-term future.
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Alemany was previously the director of football for Catalan giants FC Barcelona, from 2021 to 2023,.
But he eventually left the club after former Chelsea player Deco was given the keys to Barca’s club strategies.
In Madrid, there is a growing feeling that the club could be heading for a reset, with sources suggesting Simeone is no longer guaranteed to be on the bench next season.
Footballing reasons are believed to be at the heart of the issue, rather than personal clashes alone, with recent results piling pressure on the club’s most successful modern-day coach.
Simeone played for Atlético between 2003 and 2005.
However, his tenure as the boss of Atlético is the main factor why fans adore him.
He has won eight major honours, including two La Liga titles, two Uefa Europa Leagues, two Uefa Super Cups, one Copa del Rey, and one Supercopa de España.
Should Atlético Madrid decide to axe Simeone, they would be forced to pay up on the final year of his deal.
Simeone is one of the highest-paid managers in world football, reportedly earning around €13 million per year, making any decision costly as well as controversial.
Behind the scenes, reports claim Alemany is already exploring contingency plans.
And one name said to be high on the list is Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola, who is admired for his progressive style and is viewed as a potential new face to lead Atlético into a post-Simeone era.
Whether the club truly pulls the plug on Diego Simeone remains to be seen, but for the first time in years, the future of Atlético’s longest-serving boss appears anything but secure
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