Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel favourite to become new Atletico Madrid boss with Diego Simeone under pressure

THOMAS TUCHEL is reportedly in line to take over should Atletico Madrid sack Diego Simeone.

Pressure is mounting on the Spaniards’ legendary long-term boss after the humiliating exit from European football.

AFPPressure is mounting on Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone[/caption]

EPAThomas Tuchel is reportedly the favourite to replace him[/caption]

The 52-year-old, the world’s highest-paid manager, has been in charge at Atletico since 2011 and has won both LaLiga and the Europa League twice in taking Atletico out of the shadows of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But this season’s Champions League calamity saw them exit Europe entirely before Christmas for the first time since he took over.

And with his side also trailing league leaders Barcelona by 13 points already, speculation is rife that Atletico could decide to axe him.

Now, Spanish outlet Fichajes are claiming that Tuchel is the favourite to take over should Simeone leave.

The German has been a free agent since being unceremoniously sacked by Chelsea in September – the club he led to Champions League glory in 2021.

Tuchel, 49, has also been linked with the England job as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate and he admitted that he does see the allure of the international game.

Since his Chelsea axing, Tuchel has travelled to India for three weeks of Ayurvedic rejuvenation – a type of therapy that aims to balance the mind, body and spirit.

He was hit hard by his Stamford Bridge departure, as he recently opened up about.

Most read in Football

COMING OUT

Two Premier League teammates are dating and open about being a gay couple

DEAF STARE

James and Abraham react to Ivan Toney scoring twice and England World Cup snub

Newcastle 1 Chelsea 0

Willock stunner piles pressure on Potter as Toon’s charge continues

TOFFEE RUMBLE

Lampard forced to pull Everton flops away from fuming fans as police step in

QATAR SHAME

Qatar’s savage laws that could see World Cup fans flogged, jailed & KILLED

STRIP TEASE

Golf beauty Spiranac strips down to bra to give verdict on USA’s World Cup kit

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

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.”