Could Atletico Madrid sack Diego Simeone?

Goal reports that reports in Spain suggest Diego Simeone could be sacked as Atletico Madrid manager. The Argentine, appointed in December 2011 and under contract until 2027, is said to have a strained relationship with new Director of Football Mateu Alemany. Atletico are currently third in La Liga, 10 points behind leaders Barcelona, and were beaten by Bodo/Glimt in their final Champions League league phase game, leaving them to face a play-off to reach the knockout rounds.

Their poor recent form and disagreements in the transfer market have left Simeone's job in danger. Atletico must deal with the fact that Simeone earns €13m per season and is one of the highest-paid managers in world football. The report claims he could decide to walk away if he does not meet his stated ambitions this season, and Alemany is said to have begun sourcing potential successors, targeting Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, who would prefer to remain in the Premier League but it is unclear if a serious offer would sway him.

Spain