Simeone reconsiders future at Atletico after Champions League defeat

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is re-thinking his future at the Spanish club after losing his second Champions League final in three seasons.

Atletico were edged out in penalty shootout by cross-town rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final at the San Siro Stadium here on Saturday evening after both teams remained locked 1-1 at the end of extra-time.

Sergio Ramos handed Real Madrid the lead in the first half. But Atletico produced a typically gritty performance with Carrasco finding the equaliser with a header off Juanfran's cross.

During the penalty shootout, Juanfran missed his attempt for Atletico, as Ronaldo blasted home the decisive spot kick, sparking wild celebrations among the Real Madrid players and fans who celebrated their 11th European title.

"No one remembers the team that loses and it's a failure that is the only way to look at it. We will just have to go home and lick our wounds. And I need to go home and think," Simeone told the media after the final.

"It's a moment for me to think about things. When you give everything and it's not enough it's hard. These have been three wonderful years but I am not happy tonight. I do not know which hurts more, this final or the last one. I just feel for the people who have come to watch us," he added.

The former Argentina midfielder however, was quick to point out that he is not yet thinking of leaving the club.

The 46-year-old has done well since taking over the reins at Atletico in 2011, instilling a tough, gritty style of play. Under the former tough tackling midfielder, Atletico has been transformed into a defensively strong unit who are dangerous on the counter.

Simeone refused to blame bad luck for the defeat in Saturday's final, pointing out that the Real Madrid players managed to hold their nerve in crunch situations.

"I don't believe in injustice in football. Real Madrid were better than us albeit in the penalty shoot-out. The players were tremendous. I told them not to cry after the game because when you give everything there is no need for tears," he said.

"We have to congratulate Real Madrid. We did not start the game well. At the end both teams were so tired."

--IANS

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