Atletico Madrid President backs Diego Simeone amid rumours over future

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has publicly stated that manager Diego Simeone is not going anywhere, despite recent speculation that they have begun the hunt for his replacement.

Simeone has been at the club for almost thirteen years, which has resulted in its most successful period in history and made Los Colchoneros the third force in Spanish football. But after two disappointing seasons and a disappointing start to this season, Simeone has been questioned more than usual lately.

“It's not strange [the speculation] It doesn't irritate me either, the questions you always ask, I don't know how you don't get bored, because you always ask the same questions. “We are happy with the manager, we have a great squad, we are in the top three and within easy reach of the top. When we look at the situation, I think it is very good, so I don't understand why we ask whether he stays, or he goes,” he told MD.

“What interests us is winning today. The manager isn't going anywhere and neither is anyone else. Everyone is happy here. And you guys, if we win, even if you don't like the match, you have to say 'well done' that we won.”

Cerezo was also asked about the future of sporting director Andrea Berta, which he was less emphatic about.

“Why are we talking about the sporting director on the day of a match? You relax. You'll see.”