Diego Simeone has eased fears in the red side of Madrid by announcing that he is staying at Atletico Madrid.
With a number of leading managers changing jobs this summer, speculation had grown that Simeone might seek a new challenge after eight seasons with Atletico.
But the Argentine appears to have the appetite to take on a major squad rebuilding job over the coming weeks.
Speaking after Tuesday’s 2-1 friendly defeat by Beitar Jerusalem, Simeone said: ‘I like my job, I feel very identified and committed to the club.
‘I know that year on year it’s always more difficult and that makes us see our real selves and generate enthusiasm.
‘Next season there will be football players who will arrive with great enthusiasm and hopefully adapt to the responsibility that means being at Atletico Madrid.’
Atletico finished second in La Liga in the season just concluded but were some 11 points shy of champions Barcelona.
They did, however, end up eight points ahead of their city rivals Real and can look forward to another season in the Champions League.
One item that could be top of Simeone’s to-do list this summer is finding a replacement for striker Antoine Griezmann, who has announced his intention to leave, possibly for Barcelona.
Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis are expected to leave on free transfers, Lucas Hernandez is heading to Bayern Munich and at least four other players have been linked with moves away.
It means Simeone will have to find replacements in pretty much every position in order to challenge next season.
