Diego Simeone has been instructed by Enrique Cerezo to focus fully on securing victory in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona and subsequently aiming for the trophy.

The club has accepted that their chances of winning La Liga this season are effectively over, despite remaining committed to their Champions League campaign. For the first time in five years, there is a tangible sense within Atlético Madrid that they are in contention for silverware.

Atlético Madrid currently holds a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg against Barcelona, setting up a strong position for the second leg on March 3. They will also face Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs, leaving these two competitions as realistic opportunities for the club this season. In La Liga, Atlético sits fourth with 45 points, trailing leaders Real Madrid on 60 points and second-placed Barcelona on 58 points, making the league title unattainable.

Manager Simeone, who has spent 14 years at Atlético Madrid, has an illustrious record with the club, having won La Liga twice, the Copa del Rey, two UEFA Europa League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and finishing twice as runner-up in the UEFA Champions League. Reports suggest he is the highest-paid football manager globally, with an estimated gross annual salary between €30 million and €34 million.

Simeone is expected to implement significant squad rotation in the coming weeks to ensure key players remain fresh for the Copa del Rey second leg and the Champions League, reflecting a strategic shift in priorities for the remainder of the season.