It’s official. Diego Simeone will soon leave Atletico Madrid. The Argentine has been a revelation for the Spanish side winning the La Liga once – in a league with Barcelona and Real Madrid – and reaching the finals of the UEFA Champions League twice in three years.
Simeone is one of the most sought after managers in world football. A host of Premier League sides would jump at the chance to sign him on as their manager but the man himself has often spoken about his love for Milan and how he wants to return to manage his former club – as a player – Inter Milan.
Trending
Atletico, however, will lose a massive figure with his exit and will have to move quickly to replace the Argentine with someone who just as good, if not better, both tactically and emotionally. Here are five managers who could – if managed well by the hierarchy – adequately replace Simeone at Atletico:
Mauricio Pochettino
If Diego Simeone leaves Atletico knowing his compatriot is taking his place, his conscience will be clear. Mauricio Pochettino has been a great managerial signing by Tottenham Hotspurs. The Argentine expects his team to play with a certain kind of energy and it seems to be working in a league as physical as the Premier League.
Pochettino's biggest strength is utilising his midfielders to the maximum. He loves a lot of numbers in the middle of the field and ones who are technically adept to aid in his counter-attacking quick-passing style. At Atletico, he'll inherit a squad designed just for him.
The Spanish side have become famous for behind extremely compact in the middle of the field. With Gabi, Tiago, Koke and Saul – to name a few – Pochettino has to only instill his version of the game they're to play. A win-win for Atletico, if they manage to convince Daniel Levy to let him go.
Ronald Koeman
Ronaldo Koeman is emerging as one of the most tactically astute managers in the Premier League – a league famous for lacking everything tactics. That, combined with his ability to bring in almost-unknowns and converting them into top quality professionals is uncanny.
The Dutchman joining Atletico could rub Barcelona fans the wrong way but he's shown plenty of times that he isn't interested in letting peoples' opinions get the better of him. He's the only person to represent Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV as both player and manager – something fans today would deeply crticise.
Yet he would be a good manager for Atletico knowing very well he can compete with the best. Koeman's attention to detail in his forward line is something the club could really use. With Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres, Angel Correa, and Kevin Gameiro all good enough to exploit tight defences, Koeman could convert Atletico into a free-scoring team in the La Liga.
Laurent Blanc
People say he was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain because it was Paris Saint-Germain. Truth be told, however, Laurent Blanc did incredibly well in the French Ligue 1. Especially in the last season where he won the title by a mammoth 31 points.
Blanc's biggest advantage at Atletico would be Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro. The two Frenchman would be vital players for the club under a French manager. He's gotten the best out of a lot of French stars in Paris and has the right platform to kickstart another successful spell at Madrid.
But while he may prove to be tactically astute, Blanc will miss the emotional game Atletico fans are so used to. And in the La Liga, as important as the football is, you've got to a politician – someone who could influence results off the match; and Blanc isn't the kind of person to partake in those kind of activities.
But if Atletico want a manager who could ensure their best players are made better and someone who could get the team to play attractive flowing football, Blanc would be an incredible choice.
Manuel Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini's last stint at Madrid was an unlucky one. While he was the one who brought in Cristiano Ronaldo to the club, the fans of the club and the media have conveniently forgotten what he did to Real Madrid.
The Chilean had a successful spell at Manchester City winning the Premier League title once and the League cup twice. His influence on the dressing room has often been lauded by a lot of his former players but he's also the kind of manager who gets his players to perform at a level higher than most.
He does have the experience to manage a big team like Atletico Madrid and has the impetus to get one against his former employers. Pellegrini's playing style, however, isn't something Atletico players are used to and could take some time to understand his passing game.
Rafael Benitez
Much like Pellegrini before, Rafael Benitez would relish the opportunity to get one over Real Madrid. While his appointment was heavily questioned, Benitez's defensive style would suit Atletico Madrid more than it did their neighbours.
Benitez's obsession with minute details in defences would perfectly suit the kind of play Atletico are so famous for. He speaks the language, he knows a lot of their players and he wouldn't find the dressing room as toxic as Real Madrid's.
Atletico will need a manager who could continue what Simeone has done these past few seasons and Benitez could do just that. His defensive-minded plays will suit the club, the players and will not overly stand out as something fans will criticise.
