Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has denied reports that he is close to signing a new contract at the club.
Marca and other local outlets reported last week that new contract talks between coach and club which had begun last summer were close to being finalised, with Simeone offered a salary bigger than forward Antoine Griezmann’s €20 million plus a year.
However, an Atletico source told ESPN FC this week that with Simeone’s current deal running until 2020, both sides were currently happy with the situation and no talks were underway or are planned about an extension.
“I have spoken with [Miguel Angel] Gil Marin about this in the last meal we shared,” Simeone said. “The [contract] issue came up, but nothing has been agreed.
“We didn’t speak about money or length of contract. What was reported was lies. But the idea of sitting down to discuss it during the season. I’ve more energy now than when I joined. I’m stubborn and looking for something we are lacking.”
Simeone is almost eight years in the job at Atletico, making him the longest serving coach in La Liga, and has won eight trophies in one of the most successful spells in the club’s history.
Atletico face Barcelona this weekend — a side who Simeone has an awful record against, with just two wins in 23 meetings in all competitions, both coming in the Champions League.
However, they can climb above Barca into first place with a win, but Simeone knows getting the three points will not be easy.
“For me Barca have been the best side in the world over these years,” Simeone said. “Even if they have lacked consistency in Europe that they have had in Spain. Messi has shown with his numbers all he is and all he means for Barca. We try and improve each year and are still on that path. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
Koke, Diego Costa, Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez are all expected to be back from injury to start on Saturday evening, but captain Diego Godin remains out with a hamstring injury and Santiago Arias should come in at right-back after Juanfran injured a calf muscle at training on Thursday.
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