The year 2024 seems to have exposed a reality Atlético Madrid fans have long resisted: Diego Simeone’s magic is fading. After 13 years at the helm, the once-iconic Argentine coach appears less capable of keeping Atlético competitive in the race for Champions League glory and La Liga titles. According to reports from Spain, the club and Simeone are expected to part ways at the end of the season, at the latest.Simeone, the second-longest-serving coach in Europe’s top five leagues (after Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt), has long enjoyed autonomy at Atlético. However, this dynamic has reportedly shifted since Carlos Bucero replaced Andrea Berta as sporting director earlier this year. According to Relevo, Bucero has been quietly working for months to identify Simeone’s replacement. The delay in making this move public appears to be a calculated effort to avoid alienating fans, given Simeone’s legendary status at the club.##NAJAVA_MECA_8511152##One of the key issues appears to be Simeone’s astronomical salary, the highest among football coaches globally at €32.2 million per year. Bucero reportedly believes that Simeone’s wages should be halved, especially given the team’s underwhelming results in recent seasons. This would save the club over €15 million annually and set a more sustainable precedent for Atlético’s next coach, whose salary is expected to remain within that reduced range.Bucero’s broader financial strategy has already been evident since his arrival. Over the summer, he began slashing costs by parting ways with high-earners like Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savić, Álvaro Morata, and Memphis Depay, aiming to balance the club’s finances. Alongside this financial recalibration, Bucero has gradually shifted decision-making power from Simeone to the sporting department, marking a significant change in the club’s structure.Although no formal announcements have been made, one name is quietly gaining traction: Marcelino García Toral. Bucero previously worked with Marcelino during their time at Valencia, and the current Villarreal coach is seen as a potential successor.🚨#AtleticoMadrid have begun the search for Diego Simeone’s successor. (Relevo) pic.twitter.com/Kr7C0iHoyh— Football España (@footballespana_) November 18, 2024 Marcelino, under contract with Villarreal until June 2026, recently expressed his readiness to take on a major team. Speaking to Relevo, he said:”I have the capacity to coach in Madrid, Barcelona, or Atlético, but these clubs often prefer coaches with lots of trophies or former players. Of course, Simeone could stay for another 14 years…”That last remark may soon be overtaken by events, as Simeone’s tenure looks set to conclude by May 2025.As Atlético looks to redefine its future, General Director Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has reportedly taken a hands-off approach, focusing on other strategic priorities for the club. This leaves Bucero with the autonomy to shape Atlético’s post-Simeone era, though he is expected to remain discreet about his plans until season’s end.Whether Marcelino becomes the next head coach or another candidate emerges, one thing is clear: the winds of change are blowing through the Metropolitano.
