Despite a lack of silverware, Diego Simeone says Atlético Madrid’s 2024 campaign shows progress, competitive spirit, and promise for what lies ahead.
Another season, another test of resilience
For Atlético Madrid, a season without a trophy can often feel like a disappointment — especially under the leadership of Diego Simeone, who has built his legacy around turning grit into glory. But even without silverware to show for it, Simeone believes the 2023–24 campaign has been a step forward for his team, not a failure.
“It’s still positive,” the Argentine coach said in his press conference ahead of their final LaLiga match against Girona. “We competed very well again until the semi-finals in the cup, we competed very well in the Champions League — one of the best we’ve competed in.”
With a third-place finish in LaLiga all but secured and qualification for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next month on the horizon, Simeone remains optimistic — if a bit frustrated. The hunger for titles is still there, but so is the belief that Atlético are heading in the right direction.
Competitive fire, but no silver to show
Atletico’s season was marked by strong performances in big moments, but not quite strong enough to cross the finish line first. Knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Barcelona and eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16 by rivals Real Madrid, the club came close — but not close enough.
In LaLiga, they stayed within reach of the title race until March before fading slightly, leaving them 12 points adrift of eventual champions Barcelona. “In LaLiga, we had aspirations until March,” Simeone said. “I felt that this season is the closest we’ve come to competing for the championship.”
That sense of “almost” lingers over the season. The margins between success and failure at the top of European football are razor thin, and Atlético walked that line all year. Their run in the Champions League was notably improved from recent campaigns, showing a return to form in Europe even if it didn’t result in a semi-final berth.
Building toward the future with continuity and focus
Simeone has always emphasized continuity, identity, and collective effort — values that remain at the heart of Atlético’s culture. Though the trophies didn’t arrive this season, there’s a sense that the foundation remains intact and the core philosophy is still working. The Club World Cup next month offers a fresh target and, potentially, a chance for the team to cap the year with something meaningful.
“We’re left with the frustration of not having won any titles, which is what the fans like,” Simeone admitted. “But we’re going to the Club World Cup, which will be a new tournament and we hope to respond in the way we want to.”
Unlike other clubs who may use end-of-season fixtures to experiment or rotate heavily, Simeone stressed the importance of finishing strong. “We are still thinking about trying to play tomorrow with those who can do the best in the match,” he said. “We are not focused on giving opportunities for the Club World Cup.” That commitment to treating every game with seriousness — even when third place is all but secured — is classic Simeone. It reflects the ethos that has made Atlético a consistent force over the past decade.
A decade of defiance under Simeone
Since taking over in 2011, Diego Simeone has transformed Atlético Madrid from perennial underachievers into one of Europe’s most feared and respected sides. Two LaLiga titles, two Europa League wins, and multiple Champions League final appearances have redefined the club’s stature. But with that rise comes heightened expectations.
In many ways, this season has been a reminder of the standards Simeone himself set — and the pressure that comes with sustaining them. Atlético’s style of play may not always be as glamorous as that of their rivals, but it remains effective, rooted in discipline, defensive structure, and emotional intensity.
Even in a trophyless year, there’s been little talk of decline. Instead, the focus remains forward-looking. With core players still in their prime and a coach as driven as ever, Atlético appears poised to stay relevant in both domestic and continental competition.
Eyes on the Club World Cup and beyond
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Atlético. While it may lack the prestige of the Champions League, it represents another high-profile platform to compete on the global stage — something Simeone and his players are embracing.
The summer tournament could also offer a chance for redemption — a way to finish the season on a high note and remind the footballing world that Atlético remain a formidable force. With clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City likely to feature, there will be no shortage of elite competition. Simeone, though, is not looking too far ahead. His focus remains on the final LaLiga fixture and ensuring the team closes out the domestic campaign with purpose and pride.
A season of near misses, but no regrets
It’s easy to measure success in football purely by trophies — but for a club like Atlético Madrid, the story is often more nuanced. This season may not go down in history as one of Simeone’s most decorated, but it still reflects the tenacity, competitiveness, and structure that have become synonymous with his tenure.
From fighting deep into every competition to earning a place in the inaugural Club World Cup, the 2023–24 season stands as a campaign of building — not breaking. And as long as Diego Simeone is at the helm, Atlético Madrid will always be a team capable of more than just fighting — they’ll believe in winning, too.
