Time to walk away? Simeone’s Atletico Fairytale seems set for an Unhappy Ending

Since returning to the Champions League in 2013-14, Atleti have lost out only to Madrid in Europe and it is the dream of winning Europe's premier club competition that has kept Simeone at the club after many thought he would move on to Serie A or the Premier League after winning five trophies (the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Copa del Rey, La Liga and Spanish Supercopa) between 2012 and 2014.

Next season's Champions League final will be played at the Wanda Metropolitano, but Atletico will need to improve significantly if they are to have any chance of reaching the showpiece occastion at their new stadium.

The team's famous pressing is not what it once was, while many of their players are off form, including Antoine Griezmann, who could leave next summer anyway as his release clause drops down to an affordable €100 million.

Meanwhile, the team's once-miserly defence has conceded several times from corners this term and has allowed more shots from those set-pieces than any other team in La Liga. Not so long ago, Simeone's side were masters in dead-ball situations at both ends of the pitch. Not any more.

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