Atletico Madrid keen to extend Diego Simeone's contract until 2024
By Mitch Wilks
Atletico Madrid are keen on extending Diego Simeone's contract and have communicated to him that they intend to offer him a deal until 2024.
Simeone joined the club as manager in 2011 and his side are currently top of La Liga with two games in hand on second-placed Real Madrid, but were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in the second round earlier this month.
The shock cup defeat was the second year in a row that Atleti had been dumped out of the competition by third tier opposition, which led to Simeone casting doubt over his own future with the club. AS report, however, that the club are actually looking to tie the manager down longer and want him to sign a two-year extension.
Atletico president Enrique Cezero hasn't contemplated the thought of Simeone leaving the club, and are keen to tie him down for that bit longer as a result. Despite casting doubt over his own future, Simeone is said to be happy at the club.
'El Cholo' is said to be aware and accepting of the financial difficulties that the ongoing pandemic has put onto the club, meaning money will not prove to be an issue in finding an agreement which is close between the two parties.
Signing a deal through to 2024 would mean that Simeone would be set for at least a 12 and a half year stay as Atleti manager, continuing the fairytale for fans and Simeone himself - a former Atletico player.
Since joining the club as manager, Simeone has amassed over 200 wins and galvanised Atletico as a top European side. They won La Liga in 2013/14, and have made the Champions League final on two occasions as well as winning the Europa League twice - most recently in 2018.