'I feel very identified and committed to the club': Diego Simeone allays fears he is about to leave Atletico Madrid as he prepares for hectic summer in the transfer market Diego Simeone has eased fears he will leave Atletico Madrid over the summer Argentine has achieved plenty of success during eight seasons at the club A busy summer of transfer comings and goings awaits Simeone and Atletico But he hinted he is already planning for next season in a relief for fans By Adam Shergold for MailOnline Published: 08:30 BST, 22 May 2019 | Updated: 08:30 BST, 22 May 2019 Viewcomments Diego Simeone has eased fears he is about to leave Atletico Madrid as he prepares for a hectic summer in the transfer market. With a number of leading managers changing jobs this summer, speculation had grown that Simeone might seek a new challenge after eight seasons with Atletico. But the Argentine appears to have the appetite to take on a major squad rebuilding job over the coming weeks. Diego Simeone on the sidelines during Atletico Madrid's friendly against Beitar Jerusalem Antoine Griezmann was on target but Atletico lost the Jerusalem friendly match 2-1 Speaking after Tuesday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Beitar Jerusalem, Simeone said: 'I like my job, I feel very identified and committed to the club. '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.' Atletico finished second in La Liga in the season just concluded but were some 11 points shy of champions Barcelona. Griezmann is one of several players who is expected to leave Atletico Madrid this summer Diego Godin is another important player set to leave the club in what will be a busy summer They did, however, end up eight points ahead of their city rivals Real and can look forward to another season in the Champions League. One item that could be top of Simeone's to-do list this summer is finding a replacement for striker Antoine Griezmann, who has announced his intention to leave, possibly to Barcelona. Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis are expected to leave on free transfers, Lucas Hernandez is heading to Bayern Munich and at least four other players have been linked with moves away. It means Simeone will have to find replacements in pretty much every position in order to challenge next season. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility