Simeone considering Atletico future after CL final defeat

Rob Conlon
Diego Simeone: Boss previously linked with Premier League

Diego Simeone: Boss previously linked with Premier League

Diego Simeone admits he will consider his future as Atletico Madrid manager after his side were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

After the game finished 1-1 after extra-time, Atletico were beaten 5-3 on penalties as Juanfran’s spot-kick came back off the post.

Antoine Griezmann had earlier hit the bar with a second-half penalty, and Simeone, who was linked with both Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this season, refused to commit his future to the club when asked whether he could resign.

“Do I have to continue with Atlético or is it the end of a cycle? I have to think about that,” he said.

“It’s a logical question for you to ask after a defeat like the one we’ve suffered today. I feel proud of my players. Quite frankly I love my players. It’s obvious that they’ve given everything that they have, and they always give everything they have.

“We had the chance to become champions, we didn’t take that chance.

“We need to continue working, I have to think things out on my part. That’s what I’m doing now. What is clear to me is that nobody remembers the losers. Losing two finals is a failure. We have to get over this and heal our wounds.”

The Argentinian, who has now seen his side lose to Real in two Champions League finals, congratulated Zinedine Zidane’s men, but could not hide his disappointment.

“You do your best, you try to do what you can, you get to two finals and you lose them both,” he said.

“One you lose 4-1, even though it was 2-1 for a long time, the other you lose on penalties.

“This cycle for me at Atlético, two finals in three years is, actually a marvellous achievement, but I am not happy with what I have achieved.”