EPL And Serie A Are Very Attractive – Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone says he is attracted by the idea of managing in the Premier League and Serie A.

In May, Simeone admitted he was considering his Atletico future after defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final for the second time in three years before eventually deciding to stay on.

The Argentine has previously spoken of his desire to manage Inter Milan and was linked with Chelsea before the appointment of Antonio Conte as well as being mentioned as a possible successor to Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

Asked if he wanted to manage in England, he told a news conference in Melbourne: “I am a young coach so I feel that it is possible.

“There are many other leagues that would provide great challenges, but the English and Italian leagues are particularly attractive.”

Simeone, who has won the Europa League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey since joining Atletico in 2011, described the loss to Champions League final loss on penalties as “like a death” but said he had recovered and was looking forward to the new season.

“I never spoke of the feelings I had. They were difficult to explain. The loss was like a death and after any death you must have a period of mourning. But that period is now over,” he said.

“I think we have a strong team. We are enthusiastic and have big hopes. We have improved the work we are doing as a club and as a team. We are strong and want to work hard to reach our potential.”

Simeone will come face to face with his former Argentina international teammate Mauricio Pochettino when Atletico face Tottenham Hotspur in the International Champions Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Both Pochettino and Simeone have been linked with the vacancy with Argentina national team and a job share has been suggested for both men.

“The truth is no one has done that before but in the future that could be a real possibility,” Simeone replied, when the idea was put to him. “The commitments of a coach make it virtually impossible but maybe it could happen one day.

“I have known Mauricio a long time — we played in the national team together. We have also coached in Spain. He has had a fabulous career in the English league — he is a great coach but most importantly he understands the essence of the game. I hope he can continue to do well.”