Simeone dodges question on future as Robin Le Normand trains with scrumcap

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has refused to be drawn into speculation that Los Colchoneros are identifying options to replace him next summer or the summer after. On Monday, the bomb dropped in the Madrid press that Atletico director of football Carlos Bucero was diluting his power at the club and considering alternatives to Simeone.

This was clearly one of the hot topics during his pre-match press conference when Los Rojiblancos faced Alaves at the Metropolitano on Saturday at 4:15pm CEST.

“I think about Alaves and I don't stop. I haven't seen any of it (yet). I think about Alaves and how we can solve an important match for us,” he told Relevo. “It's not a question for me,” he said emphatically.

The news occurred in the same week that Simeone will also make 700 appearances at Atletico Madrid.

“Thank you to all the people who worked with me, to all the footballers who made it possible for me to stay at the club for so long, to Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) and Enrique (Cerezo) for supporting the journey and our people, for the respect they have always had for me. I am grateful to Atletico Madrid and I am very happy that I have been able to enjoy these 700 matches.”

“I focus on what we have done in these almost thirteen years. When the team manages to compete, be intense and play like a rock, whether higher or lower, it competes well. And that is what has brought us on this path in these 700 games, in addition to the dedication of the footballers.”

Meanwhile, he also had words of praise for Pablo Barrios, who made his debut for Spain against Switzerland on Monday evening.

“He is on a very good path. He has a lot of positive things and things that can be improved. He is in a phase of growth and mental openness to generate better things. I have no doubt that when he gets closer to the goal, he will be more decisive than today.”

While Nahuel Molina was ruled out this week due to injury, Robin Le Normand continues his road to recovery. He avoids dogfights in training but was seen wearing a rugby-style scrum cap on Friday to reduce potential blows to the head. Similar equipment has been seen on a number of players, most notably Petr Cech after he suffered serious head injuries. Marca says there is still no set date for his return, and that this will only happen when there are no further risks to his safety. Le Normand will continue his recovery next week and move closer to his return.