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Simeone's Atletico Era Nearing Crossroads

BBC Sport Football •
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After 14 years at Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone faces an uncertain future. The Argentine transformed the club from underachievers to La Liga champions in 2014 and 2021, breaking Real Madrid-Barcelona dominance. Now, with new majority stakeholders Apollo Sports Capital taking control, questions intensify about whether his tenure will continue beyond his contract until 2027.

Simeone's managerial record stands at 786 matches with 465 wins, making him one of football's longest-serving coaches. Supporters remain divided - some credit him with changing Atletico's mentality from "El Pupas" (the jinxed ones) to fearless competitors, while others believe his tactics have grown predictable. The 55-year-old has previously expressed interest in managing Inter Milan someday.

For now, Simeone focuses on a demanding April schedule. Atletico face Barcelona twice in La Liga and in Champions League quarter-finals, plus a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. The manager aims to add a ninth trophy to his collection before deciding his next move. The new ownership's influence on this decision remains unclear as the club navigates this period of transition.