Atletico Madrid have 'no excuse' for not challenging for La Liga & Champions League trophies as former star Saul says Diego Simeone has 'a long way to go'

Former Atletico midfielder Saul has hit out at his old club during an interview with COPE’s El Partidazo, saying they have “no excuse” not to challenge for major silverware this season. The Spaniard officially left the club this summer to complete a move to Brazilian side Flamengo and has reflected on his 13-year spell at the Spanish club.

Atleti have strengthened over the summer and expectations are rising, with president Enrique Cerezo recently challenging Simeone to deliver Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey crowns. They have already Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Matteo Ruggeri among others this summer, and are reportedly working on the signing of Stuttgart's Enzo Millot and Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli.

Having spent big for the second summer in a row, Saul believes it is time for the capital club to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for domestic silverware and set their sights on delivering European glory at the same time.

He said: "They have fewer and fewer excuses. Last year they spent 200 million and this year they've paid another 200. Now the reality is different. They're already spending the same as other clubs and they have to compete for everything. Last year wasn't as bad as some people make it out to be. It was a year they came close to winning and didn't. As long as Cholo's message continues to resonate with the players, I think he's got a long way to go."

Saul also reflected on his final conversation with Simeone while he was still on loan at Sevilla, saying: "My relationship with Simeone had ups and downs, but he was always direct, he wasn't fake like some others at the club. He may have been a little more distant as a manager, but everything he said to me was always to my face. In my last chat with him at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, he told me that he wasn't counting on me for the following season. I think it was a very good chat because in the end it was thought that I was going to complain about anything, but in the end it was the opposite."

Saul’s remarks shine a light on internal dynamics and raise fresh questions about whether Simeone can evolve tactically and emotionally to meet the moment. It’s now or never if Atleti are to reclaim their place at Europe’s top table.