Now it's not just a rumor: Simeone is leaving Atletico

Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone have been together since December 2011, when he arrived as the successor to Gregorio Manzano - the love affair has lasted for over 14 years, but it seems that a separation is in sight.

Spanish media outlets are consistently pointing out that the Argentine has made a decision - or is at least close to it - to leave the club at the end of the season because he believes he has completed his cycle.

This opinion culminated after two consecutive failures in recent days, a defeat to Boda Glimt in the Champions League, and a draw with Levante in La Liga.

Journalists from the Pyrenees point out that Ćolo is not so much dissatisfied with the results as with the situation at the club, because a lot has changed since the summer when sporting director Andrea Berta left Atletico and joined Arsenal.

Berta was Simeone's long-term assistant, the man who controlled the sports sector, and now Mateu Alemani is in his place. It is no secret that the coach and the sports director are not on good terms and that the climate at the “Metropolitan” is anything but positive.

That a separation is imminent can also be concluded from the allegations that Atleti's new majority owner - the investment fund Apolo Sports Capital - is thinking long-term and estimates that the club needs fresh blood. In other words, a change of coach who is a symbol for the fans.

Simeone may not see the end of the season as Atletico coach, as speculation is already rife about who could replace him. Alemani has repeatedly said publicly that he is a big fan of the character and work of Marcelino García Toral, the coach of Villarreal, the fourth-placed team in La Liga. Contact has reportedly been made, but Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth, is also being considered.

The media is pointing out that Atletico are aware of the status that Ćolo has earned and that there is no question of a replacement. That is why changes are expected only in the summer, unless Simeone decides earlier that he has given the "colçoneros" everything he has...

With Atletico, he was twice champion of Spain, won the Europa League on two occasions, and was in the Champions League final twice - both against Real.