Simeone: 'I will never coach Real Madrid'

As someone who played in the charged atmospheres of Argentina's Clasico del Oeste, Spain's Seville rivalry, and Italy's Derby della Madonnina, Diego Simeone understands what it means to be in the middle of a cross-city squabble.

So it's no great surprise that the Atletico Madrid manager won't entertain overseeing the club's illustrious neighbour situated farther north in the Spanish capital.

"I will never coach Real Madrid," Simeone told Onda Cero, with translation from ESPN FC. "It is logical because of feelings. They wouldn't call me either.

"I am young, maybe someday I will lead another Spanish team."

Simeone took the strange measure of shortening his Atleti contract by two years from its original agreement until 2020 last September, heightening speculation that he'll soon be leaving the outfit that he took over in 2011. The 46-year-old didn't detail any job aspirations in club football for the rest of his coaching career, but mentioned he wants to take the reins of his native land one day.

"At some point, I would like to coach Argentina, but I have to improve as a coach," said the 106-time international.

"I would like to do it in the final stretch of my career."

Los Colchoneros reconvene after the international break to prepare for a trip to Malaga on April 1.