Atletico Madrid plans future without Simeone: Unai Emery, the best positioned

The red-and-white club's sporting management is preparing for the transition after the Simeone era, with Unai Emery as the main candidate to lead the bench

After more than a decade at the helm of Atlético de Madrid , Diego Pablo Simeone 's continuity seems to be in doubt. Although the Argentine coach renewed his contract until 2027 , the club is already exploring possible alternatives given the deterioration of his figure. Unai Emery emerges as the favourite in a scenario that could mark the beginning of a new era for the red-and-white team.

The wear and tear of a historical cycle

Diego Pablo Simeone has been the pillar on which the modern Atlético de Madrid has been built. Since his arrival in 2011, the Argentine coach transformed the team, winning eight titles , including a historic league title in 2014. Under his leadership, Atlético went from being an irregular team to consolidating itself as one of the best clubs in Europe, standing up to giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Diego Simeone, lifted up by his players after winning the 2020-2021 LaLiga title, a reflection of his success at Atlético.

Source: Eurosport

However, after 13 years of success , the club is feeling a clear wear and tear around him. Simeone, who has managed to reinvent the team on numerous occasions, now seems to be struggling to maintain the same level of competitiveness. The renewal of the squad carried out this season has not managed to return the team to the intensity that characterised its best years.

In addition, his high salary, which exceeds 45 million euros gross per year , represents a financial challenge for the club. Although his contract was extended until 2027, the intention was more an economic strategy to spread his emoluments over several years , than a real long-term reinforcement.

Unai Emery: the ideal candidate

Among the names being considered by the board, Unai Emery stands out as the favourite to succeed Simeone. His experience in the Premier League with Aston Villa and his record of success in Spain make him an attractive option. Emery has not only proven to be an effective tactician, but also a coach capable of strengthening teams and players in a variety of circumstances.

En España, Emery dejó una huella imborrable durante su etapa en el Sevilla, donde conquistó tres títulos consecutivos de la Europa League. Su posterior paso por el Villarreal reafirmó su capacidad, llevándolos a lograr su primer gran título europeo y competir al más alto nivel.

Unai Emery, the main candidate for the red-and-white bench according to the sporting management of Atlético de Madrid .

Source: DAZN

Emery is currently facing an ambitious project with Aston Villa , qualifying the team for the Champions League for the first time in years. His signing would not be easy, but Atlético are confident that the coach could be persuaded if circumstances allow.

Fernando Torres and other names in the red-and-white orbit

In addition to Emery, Fernando Torres has emerged as an option that is generating great interest among the fans. As an iconic former player of the club and current coach in the lower categories, Torres represents a line of continuity that could keep the red-and-white identity alive in the dugout.

Despite his lack of experience at the top level, Torres has the respect and affection of the fans, and his time in the club's youth ranks has allowed him to develop a foundation as a coach. His emotional connection with Atlético makes him a risky but promising option.

Fernando Torres, current coach of Atlético de Madrid 's youth teams , is another option considered to succeed Simeone.

Source: RELEVO

Other names on the table include coaches such as Jürgen Klopp , who has always been valued at the Metropolitano, and Luis Enrique , who was already considered by the club before Simeone's arrival. Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis de la Fuente complete the list of candidates who could adapt to Atlético's needs depending on the circumstances of the change.

An agreed and strategic relief

Unlike other coaching changes, in Simeone's case, the board wants a voluntary and agreed exit. The Argentine coach has been one of the most important figures in the history of the club, and the respect for him is maximum.

The club's strategy is to ensure that the transition is as painless as possible, avoiding a void in the sporting structure . For five months, the sporting management, headed by Carlos Bucero, has been working on preparing the ground for the future, ensuring that the team is ready to make the leap when the time comes.

Conclusion: A new era on the red and white horizon

Atlético de Madrid is facing a key moment in its recent history. Simeone's possible departure would mark the end of a glorious era , but it also opens the door to new opportunities. With Unai Emery as the main candidate, the club is looking to maintain its competitiveness and evolve towards a sustainable long-term project.

The final decision will depend on multiple factors, from this season's results to Simeone's own will. In the meantime, the sporting management is making sure it is prepared to successfully face the next chapter in the red-and-white story.