'The fans want to win': Simeone questions his future at Atletico Madrid after UCL exit
When questioned about his ability to keep going following the loss in London on Tuesday, Simeone gave a response that stood out as atypical.
"Not now, definitely not now," Simeone stated, creating uncertainty about his plans for the summer ahead.
Over the course of his 14 and a half years leading the Rojiblancos, Simeone has faced comparable questions numerous times.
These often arise during difficult eliminations like this one, which Atletico has endured on multiple occasions. The two championship losses against their rivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016 were the most painful.
After the second of those defeats, decided by penalties at the San Siro, Simeone nearly departed, confessing that motivating the squad emotionally after such a devastating setback would prove challenging.
Such games occurred during the initial phase of Simeone's tenure, which marked Atletico's most successful era.
Subsequent campaigns have mostly brought disappointment, even with the La Liga victory in 2021, given the challenge of rivaling Spain's dominant forces, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"We've expanded tremendously across all areas, establishing ourselves as a respected club throughout Europe and beyond," Simeone remarked following the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates, which led to a 2-1 overall loss.
"But the fans want to win. Reaching the semi-final just does not suffice."
From that league success five years back, Atletico has gone without any trophies, grappling to define their approach.
Simeone, still viewed as a highly cautious tactician, has repeatedly noted this term that his side performs more effectively in attack than defence.
Not sufficiently to overcome Mikel Arteta's staunch Arsenal defence, yet Atletico has made progress there, and Simeone himself has adapted, pursuing a broader playing style while retaining the vigour that characterised his peak periods.
While the growing gap without silverware heightens tension, fuels rumours, and prompts whispers from fans who cherish Simeone yet ponder if a different manager might extract greater results from the squad, certain developments offer hope.
Positive signs
Atletico advanced to the Copa del Rey final, their first appearance there since claiming it under Simeone in 2013, though they lost on penalties to Real Sociedad in April.
Simeone's son Giuliano is displaying potential, Ademola Lookman has adapted swiftly since joining in January, and defender Marc Pubill has excelled under Simeone, potentially earning a spot in Spain's 2026 World Cup team.
Even with the European disappointment, the journey to the semi-finals provides cherished recollections for supporters, particularly the quarter-final victory over Barcelona.
This gave seasoned players Antoine Griezmann, who is heading to MLS club Orlando City, and Koke, with his own prospects unclear, perhaps a final opportunity to excel at the pinnacle of club football.
"I hope our fans offer Antoine the support he deserves in his remaining games," Simeone expressed.
"Koke delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating mastery in the sport at his age."
Finding a successor for Griezmann poses a major challenge for the club over the summer, and if handled well, it could drive the side towards the achievements they desire.
Mismanage it, as happened with Joao Felix's unsuccessful 126 million euro ($148 million) transfer in 2019, and Atletico's barren spell will persist.
It remains unclear whether Simeone will guide this initiative, though throughout the doubts of the last decade and a half, he has consistently opted to remain.