A possible merry-go-round on the coaching side could lead to “Cholo” Simeone, manager of Atlético Madrid, taking over as national team manager Argentina.
The football world can experience a completely seismic summer on the coaching benches. Several key pieces are about to move, and there is one scenario that – while still seems distant – is strengthening with each passing week: Diego Simeone’s departure from Atlético Madrid after a historic spell at the Metropolitano.
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It will all start with a first move that will shake the international landscape: the possible arrival of Lionel Scaloni at Real Madrid once the World Cup is finished.
Scaloni, a tempting option for Real Madrid
At Real Madrid, they continue to explore options for the coaching bench going forward, and Lionel Scaloni’s name has gained increasing weight in recent weeks. The current Argentine national team boss attracts attention because of his leadership, his ability to handle dressing rooms full of stars, and his immense success at the helm of that world champion team.
In Chamartín, it is believed that the Argentine coach has the ideal profile to build up a project that is going through a difficult time, both sportingly and internally. Also, he enjoys immense respect in international football.
Real Madrid’s plan is to wait until after the World Cup before trying to make this move. Scaloni has a very strong emotional bond with Argentina’s national team, and he didn’t want to leave the project until the big international event.
However, once the tournament is over, the situation can change completely. The coaching bench in Madrid represents an opportunity that is hard to turn down for any coach in the world.
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Argentina considers Simeone
If Scaloni were to leave the position, one of the most important positions in world football would become vacant: the role of manager of Argentina’s national team.
And this is where Diego Simeone’s name emerges as the foremost candidate. “Cholo” has for years been considered the ideal coach to lead the Albiceleste at some point in his career.
The Argentine Football Federation believes that Simeone possesses the experience, personality and winning instinct to keep the team at the top of the global rankings after Scaloni’s successful tenure.
Furthermore, the Atlético coach has always hinted that coaching Argentina one day is one of the big dreams of his professional career.
The opportunity can come at the perfect moment. After many years at the Metropolitano, some environments in Atlético are beginning to notice some natural wear and tear in the project.
Marcelino ready to replace “Cholo”
If Simeone eventually leaves Atlético, the favourite to take over the red-and-white bench is Marcelino García Toral.
The current Villarreal manager will end his stay at the Valencian club at the end of the season, after they failed to agree on a contract extension.
Marcelino is highly regarded at Atlético for several reasons. His ability to build competitive teams, his experience on the big stages, and his intense style of play fit perfectly into the club’s historical philosophy.
At the Metropolitano, it is also believed that the Asturian coach will be able to maintain a competitive identity very close to the one Simeone has instilled over the course of more than a decade.
The coaching carousel started
The potential domino effect is picking up speed in European football. Although no final decisions have been made yet, several movements seem to be deeply connected to each other.
Scaloni’s arrival at Real Madrid could completely change the landscape for the most important coaching benches in Spain and South America. And at the center of this revolution we find a key name: Diego Simeone.
“Cholo” has marked an unforgettable era at Atlético Madrid, but the dream of coaching the Argentine national team has always been there. Now, for the first time in a long time, the scenario seems really possible.
The summer promises to be exciting, and the coming months could completely redefine the future of some of the world’s most important clubs and national teams.
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On May 17, Atletico Madrid will host Girona at the Metropolitano.
