Diego Simeone names his preferred successor as Atletico Madrid head coach
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has named Jurgen Klopp among those who he can see eventually succeding him.
The 53-year-old tactician has been at the helm since December 2011 with his present contract expiring in June 2027.
Before returning to Spain’s capital, where he enjoyed a successful playing career with Atleti, the native of San Nicolás had managed Racing Club, Estudiantes, River Plate and San Lorenzo in his native Argentina.
Already thinking long-term Simeone conceded he would one day coach somewhere else and when asked who could fill the subsequent void three names came to mind.
“One of the best Klopp, Ancelotti, Pochettino… They are the coaches that I would like to be at Atletico,” he said during a quickfire round of an interview with Cadena SER.
Simeone appreciation tweet pic.twitter.com/Itdvkq2m03
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 15, 2022
As hard as it may seem, current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wouldn’t be the first to manage both capital sides. Mauricio Pochettino has previous La Liga coaching experience with Espanyol while Jurgen Klopp has never worked outside Germany or England.
Whoever ends up succeeding Simeone will be following the club’s most decorated manager. Under his leadership they’ve reached two Champions League finals, won two La Liga titles, two Europa League crowns as well as one Copa del Rey.
