If Atletico Madrid fires Diego Simeone, Thomas Tuchel is reportedly in line to succeed.
After their humiliating exit from European football, the legendary long-time manager of Spain is under increasing pressure.
The 52-year-old, the highest-paid manager in the world, has been in charge of Atletico since 2011 and has twice helped the club emerge from behind Real Madrid and Barcelona by winning both LaLiga and the Europa League.
For the first time since he took over, they were forced to leave Europe entirely before Christmas as a result of this season’s Champions League disaster.
There is talk that Atletico may decide to fire him because his team is already 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Now, Spanish outlet Fichajes are claiming that Tuchel is the favourite to take over should Simeone leave.
Since being abruptly fired by Chelsea in September—the team he guided to Champions League victory in 2021—the German has been a free agent.
The 49-year-old Tuchel has also been mentioned as a candidate to replace Gareth Southgate as England coach, and he acknowledged that he understands the appeal of playing for a country.
Tuchel has travelled to India for three weeks of Ayurvedic rejuvenation, a type of therapy that aims to balance the mind, body, and spirit, after being fired from Chelsea.
He recently revealed that his departure from Stamford Bridge had a significant impact on him.
Tuchel said: “I loved every day at Chelsea.
“It came to an end too early for me, but it was out of my hands. This is also what you sign up for.”
On his favourites for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, he said: “Brazil, France, Argentina, Germany and England.
“Belgium and Senegal. And don’t forget Spain. At the World Cup, I am looking forward to watching the players I trained.”
