Diego Simeone’s ex-assistant names his ‘perfect successor’ at Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Diego Simeone could face a crucial call on his future at Atletico Madrid in 2026 if he fails to land a major trophy.

The club have handed the Argentinian coach a bumper summer transfer budget as they aim to chase down Real Madrid and Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Simeone finished third again last season with a semi final exit in the Copa del Rey and a UEFA Champions League campaign which ended at the Round of 16.

However, the start to the new season has been far from ideal, with no wins from their opening three games in league action.

Simeone still holds the record for the most games managed at a single La Liga club, with 742 at the helm in the Spanish capital, and 512 in the all-time La Liga games list, placing him in ninth.

His current contract runs until 2027, but questions have resurfaced over a possible early exit, and his long-serving former assistant German Burgos believes a successor is already on the horizon.

Image via Javier Gandul/Diario AS

The pair won a La Liga title and two Europa League crowns together in Madrid, before Burgos’ exit in 2020, to initially join Newell’s Old Boys.

Burgos had a brief spell at Greek side Aris, but he is currently looking for a new challenge, that includes a top level job.

“The decision not to continue was mine, it was well thought out and I made it. I’m happy because it gave me freedom to choose new projects, to reject offers… one team called me 17 times,” as per reports from Marca.

When asked about who could replace Simeone, there was only one name on Burgos’ mind.

“Fernando Torres, he’s ready to do it.”

Torres has impressed in four seasons as part of Atletico Madrid’s youth set up, taking charge of the reserve team in 2024, and he could be tempted by the step up in 2026.