“The Fans Want to Win” — Simeone Reflects on Atletico’s Trophy Drought and His Role

Simeone casts doubt on Atletico future after Champions League exit to Arsenal

Simeone has stayed through 14 years of highs and lows at Atletico, but replacing Antoine Griezmann this summer could define whether he continues or walks away.

Despite reaching the Copa del Rey final and seeing promise in Giuliano Simeone and Ademola Lookman, Atlético’s identity and long-term direction remain uncertain...

Arsenal’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid has left Diego Simeone’s team without a trophy for a fifth consecutive season, prompting fresh speculation about the Argentine manager’s future.

When asked if he still had the drive to carry on following Tuesday’s defeat in London, Simeone gave a striking response: “Not now, definitely not now,” casting doubt on his plans for the summer.

Similar questions about his position have come up repeatedly during his 14-and-a-half years in charge of the Rojiblancos.

They tend to resurface after painful knockout losses, which Atlético have endured often. None sting more than the two Champions League final defeats to rivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016.

Simeone nearly stepped down after that second San Siro final, which went to penalties, admitting it would be hard to rebuild the squad mentally after such a devastating loss.

Those finals took place during the early years of Simeone’s tenure, widely regarded as Atlético’s peak era.

Since then, the seasons have mostly been disappointing, even with the 2021 La Liga title, though competing with Spain’s two powerhouses, Barcelona and Real Madrid, remains a formidable challenge.

“We've grown enormously in every aspect, we're a club recognised in Europe and the world,” Simeone said after the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates, which sealed a 2-1 aggregate loss.

“But the fans want to win. Getting to a semi-final isn't enough.”

In the five years since that league title, Atlético have been without silverware while also wrestling with their own playing identity.

Simeone, still known for his ultra-conservative approach, has said throughout this season that his Atlético side are now more effective going forward than they are at the back.

They weren’t able to break through Mikel Arteta’s resilient Arsenal defense, but Atletico have shown progress in attack and Simeone has adapted too, embracing a more expansive style while keeping the intensity that marked his most successful period.

Even though the growing trophy drought fuels pressure, speculation, and restless murmurs among supporters who admire Simeone yet question if another coach might get more from the squad, there have been clear signs of improvement.

Diego Simeone in the last 11 years:

2015: League ❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2016: League ❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2017: League ❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2018: League ❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2019: League ❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2020: League❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2021: League ✅ Cup ❌ UCL ❌
2022: League ❌ Cup ❌ UCL ❌… pic.twitter.com/hzlpuySRPC

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) May 5, 2026

Glimmers of Progress

Atletico reached the Copa del Rey final for the first time since winning it under Simeone in 2013, though they lost on penalties to Real Sociedad in April.

Simeone’s son Giuliano is beginning to impress, Ademola Lookman has made an immediate impact since joining in January, and defender Marc Pubill has performed so well under Simeone that he could earn a place in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.

“I hope our fans give Antoine the backing he's earned, in these last few matches,” Simeone said.

Koke’s Masterclass

“Koke was incredible, a masterclass in how to play football at his age.”

Griezmann’s Successor

Finding a replacement for Griezmann is a critical challenge for Atletico this summer, and getting it right could be the catalyst for the success the club is desperate for.

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🚨 Diego Simeone: "If I have the strength to keep trying for one more year? Not now, now surely not." @ESPNArgentina pic.twitter.com/B2DNL2nS4P

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 5, 2026

Transfer risks and simeone’s commitment

A misstep, like the 126 million euro ($148 million) move for Joao Felix in 2019, would only extend Atlético’s trophy drought.

It’s still unclear if Simeone will lead that rebuild, but over the past 15 years whenever his future has been questioned, he has consistently chosen to remain.