5 managers who could replace Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid

#3 Gennaro Gattuso

Gattuso's grit, tenacity and touchline antics are reminiscent of Diego Simeone's.

Replacing one tough manager with another is indeed a good way to approach managerial appointments, especially at a club like Atletico Madrid that has become used to Diego Simeone's tactics. On that note, former AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso would be a decent option to become the next coach at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Known for his toughness, both as a player and as a coach, Gattuso simply has what it takes to bring the best out of the Rojiblancos. The grit, tenacity and attitude with which he operates on the sidelines could bring back the unquenchable fighting spirit that has dropped at Atletico Madrid in recent years.

Like a couple of other names on this list, the Italian is currently without a job after parting ways with Napoli last summer. His record with the Partenopei stands at 47 wins, 12 draws and 22 losses in 81 games across two seasons.

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#2 Ernesto Valverde

The tactician has a decent record in Spanish football.

Former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde is another manager who could replace Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. The tactician isn't a stranger to Spanish football, having worked at clubs like Valencia, Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol.

He dominated Spanish football during his time with Barcelona, winning two La Liga, one Copa del Rey and one Supercoppa de Espana title. The 58-year-old also tasted success outside La Liga, claiming three league titles and two league cups during his time with Olympiacos.

Valverde has been away from the sidelines since leaving Barcelona in January 2020. He recently hinted that making a return to management and managing a club like Atletico Madrid wouldn't be a bad idea.

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#1 Jose Mourinho

The perfect like-for-like replacement for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid

When it comes to finding a like-for-like replacement for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, it wouldn't be far fetched to say that no one comes close to Jose Mourinho.

Like his Argentine counterpart, the Portuguese adopts an ultra-defensive system, playing with immense tenacity and looking to hurt opposition teams on the counter.

In addition, they both share a strong winning mentality and are known for having total control of their dressing rooms.

Jose Mourinho is currently working with Serie A outfit Roma, where he arrived last summer. He has taken charge of 42 games with the Italian giants so far, recording 23 wins, eight draws and 11 defeats.