Simeone's caution versus Atletico's ambitions

Diego Simeone's once-untouchable reign at Atletico Madrid faces its biggest crisis, as the club great starts his 14th full season amid mounting pressure after four trophy-less campaigns and a growing disconnect between his measured ambitions and the board's aims.

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The Argentinian transformed Atletico from a lowly, struggling team in the Spanish capital into a European powerhouse, reaching two Champions League finals in three years with a relentless, physically imposing defensive style that left richer clubs with stellar squads struggling to cope.

However, since winning their 11th La Liga title in 2021, Simeone has failed to deliver silverware while preaching that Atletico's main objective is not winning titles but finishing in the top three in the Spanish top flight, claiming they cannot compete financially with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

That discourse has become a tough pill to swallow for fans and pundits as Atletico keep spending big money every season.