Chelsea are facing a battle to convince Diego Simeone to become their next permanent manager after the Atletico Madrid coach admitted he will find it hard to leave the Spanish club.
As first revealed by Standard Sport in October, Roman Abramovich is targeting Simeone or Pep Guardiola to be in charge next season. Guus Hiddink has been appointed caretaker for the rest of the campaign following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho. But Simeone, who signed a five-year contract in March, said: “It’s not easy to leave Atletico. More than a team we are a real family.
“We have a potential that no one has. Oblak, Gimenez, Vietto, Carrasco, Oliver, Koke, Correa, Saul, Lucas, Thomas — 10 young players and the veterans are at the perfect age.”
Chelsea could have to pay Atletico £15million in compensation if Simeone changes his mind.