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Diego Simeone has handed a blow to Chelsea after revealing his intent to remain as Atletico Madrid manager next summer.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri’s position at Stamford Bridge is under threat, and the club are known to be long-term admirers of Simeone.

The Argentine tactician has impressed in his eight seasons at the helm in Madrid, guiding his team to a memorable La Liga title triumph in 2013-14.

And Simeone has seemingly ruled himself out of a switch, having decided he wants to oversee a summer rebuilding job at Atletico.

(Image: Angel Martinez)

“I like my job, I feel very identified and committed to the club,” he said, speaking after Tuesday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Beitar Jerusalem.

“I know that year on year it's always more difficult and that makes us see our real selves and generate enthusiasm.

“Next season there will be football players who will arrive with great enthusiasm and hopefully adapt to the responsibility that means being at Atletico Madrid.”

It was a somewhat disappointing campaign for Simeone’s Atletico, with the club finishing the campaign 11 points behind league champions Barcelona .

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

However, they were able to boast local bragging rights by finishing in second, eight points ahead of city rivals Real.

And Simeone faces a busy summer with Antoine Griezmann already announcing his intention to leave the club - and Barcelona look likely to sign him.

Elsewhere, Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis are expected to leave on free transfers and Lucas Hernandez has already agreed a move to Bayern Munich.

It leaves the manager with plenty of work to do in order to replace the outgoing players and mount a bid for silverware next season.