Diego Simeone admits a return to Inter one day is tempting, but that he sees himself with Atletico Madrid ‘for quite some time yet’.
The Argentine has turned around Atleti’s fortunes in his two years so far as Coach and has the team level at the top of La Liga with Barcelona.
It is work that has attracted speculation over the 43-year-old’s future, including a possible reunion with former side Inter.
For the former midfielder, a return to the Nerazzurri, who he played for between 1997 and 1999, is a temptation, but not an immediate one.
“Inter? It would be an honour,” Simeone has mused in today’s edition of Il Giornale.
“But for now, all that talk is left to the newspapers.
“I see myself at Atletico Madrid for quite some time yet. Some say I might become the Ferguson of the Colchoneros. That man has been a part of football.”
Simeone was asked if he was more comparable with Jose Mourinho, though.
“There is a significant age difference. We will see what will happen over time. Mourinho has charisma. I met him as Coach at Inter for a whole week in Appiano Gentile and he impressed me a lot.
“Would I like to coach Argentina? I am still young, I am not retiring before I hit 65. And then, Sabella is working fine.
“If there was an emergency situation then I would train Argentina, but only without giving up Atleti.”
The former River Plate and San Lorenzo boss will face Inter’s rivals Milan in the Champions League Last 16 in 2014.
“The Rossoneri represent the history of football. We will play on a par with them. I don’t want to say too much about it, because it’s a long way away yet.
“Allegri? He’s a very good Coach. I would like to see others able to manage like he has a group of champions.
“Is Balotelli a rebel? In his own way, he is. I read that Milan would like to sell him. It is better for us when we face them in the Champions League…”
Simeone was asked about Atletico’s potential to match the Rossoneri, with particular focus on their leading man in attack.
“Sometimes I find it unfair that we speak only of Diego Costa. He is a great striker, but in the end it is the group that is imposing themselves.
“I did not invent anything new, but rather have kept them on the rope. They must understand that with me there are no guaranteed starters. During the week you work for a place in the team.”
Finally, the tactician was asked for his wishes for 2014.
“I would respond, to win La Liga. It would be stupid not to think about it, especially in light of the table. Ahead of all these things, though, I put the health and happiness of my children. And then I am happy for my father Carlos, I was with him the other day in Argentina celebrating his 70th birthday. It is my family, it is my life.”
