After an astonishing 2013-14 campaign saw Atletico Madrid win La Liga and come within seconds of victory in the Champions League final, last season was something of an anti-climax in comparison.
Diego Simeone’s side finished third in the league, reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition and fell at the same stage in the Copa del Rey – but they did win the Supercopa de Espana.
Although they fell short of the standards set the previous year, performances and results were still consistent – they only lost six of 38 Liga contests - and the solid season gives Atleti a good base to build from as they look to make a fresh challenge in 2015-16.
A busy summer last time out saw a batch of established stars like Diego Costa and David Villa leave, while the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic came in to replace them. This summer may be slightly quieter, but there is important business to be done again.
TRANSFER TARGETS
Atletico Madrid are focusing heavily on attacking areas with their summer recruitment planning.
Juventus and Argentina star Carlos Tevez, who is currently playing at the Copa America in Chile, is their highest-profile realistic target. Having made the Champions League final and won another Serie A title in Italy, the striker is expected to be on the move this summer with his contract one year from expiry.
A return to Boca Juniors remains possible – as does a big-money switch to Paris-Saint Germain - but Simeone has confirmed the club have held talks with Tevez’s camp. His tireless style on the pitch would seemingly make him a perfect fit for Atletico’s strategy, with the head coach himself admitting it could be an “ideal” link-up.
Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto seems almost certain to sign, with Atletico expected to activate his release clause that is worth just over €20 million.
The 21-year-old Argentine scored 20 goals in all competitions during his first season in Spain and has drawn praise from Simeone, who compared him with former Atleti star David Villa.
If Atletico cannot land Tevez, they are expected to pursue a second attacking signing along with Vietto - Celta Vigo star Nolito has been monitored and remains a potential option.
A return for Radamel Falcao has been all but ruled out, with the Colombian expected to sign for Chelsea. Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani has also been of interest but is likely to be out of the club’s price-range.
Elsewhere, Atletico are hoping to tempt Chelsea defender Filipe Luis back to the Vicente Calderon after he struggled for regular first-team action at Stamford Bridge in his first year, but the Blues are under no financial pressure to sell.
River plate duo Emanuel Mammana – a 19-year-old defender - and 21-year-old midfielder Matias Kranevitter are both options for this summer too, along with Anderlecht’s 18-year-old starlet Youri Tielemans.
Atletico Madrid are focusing heavily on attacking areas with their summer recruitment planning.
Juventus and Argentina star Carlos Tevez, who is currently playing at the Copa America in Chile, is their highest-profile realistic target. Having made the Champions League final and won another Serie A title in Italy, the striker is expected to be on the move this summer with his contract one year from expiry.
A return to Boca Juniors remains possible – as does a big-money switch to Paris-Saint Germain - but Simeone has confirmed the club have held talks with Tevez’s camp. His tireless style on the pitch would seemingly make him a perfect fit for Atletico’s strategy, with the head coach himself admitting it could be an “ideal” link-up.
Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto seems almost certain to sign, with Atletico expected to activate his release clause that is worth just over €20 million.
The 21-year-old Argentine scored 20 goals in all competitions during his first season in Spain and has drawn praise from Simeone, who compared him with former Atleti star David Villa.
If Atletico cannot land Tevez, they are expected to pursue a second attacking signing along with Vietto - Celta Vigo star Nolito has been monitored and remains a potential option.
A return for Radamel Falcao has been all but ruled out, with the Colombian expected to sign for Chelsea. Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani has also been of interest but is likely to be out of the club’s price-range.
Elsewhere, Atletico are hoping to tempt Chelsea defender Filipe Luis back to the Vicente Calderon after he struggled for regular first-team action at Stamford Bridge in his first year, but the Blues are under no financial pressure to sell.
River plate duo Emanuel Mammana – a 19-year-old defender - and 21-year-old midfielder Matias Kranevitter are both options for this summer too, along with Anderlecht’s 18-year-old starlet Youri Tielemans.
PLAYERS WHO COULD LEAVE
Mario Mandzukic and Miranda are the most likely members of Atletico’s regular starting XI from last season to be on the move this summer.
The former Bayern Munich striker has been monitored by a number of clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Monaco along with sides in the Premier League. Atleti are willing to cash in if they can land Tevez or a forward at a similar level. Juventus are the current favourites to sign the Croatian.
Miranda, meanwhile, has just one year left on his contract and will leave for a suitable offer if he does not choose to extend. AC Milan, Inter and Napoli are all potential suitors this summer, while the Brazilian stopper had been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United earlier in the year.
The club do not want to sell star attacker Antoine Griezmann and will refuse all offers unless his €60m buyout clause is matched. Midfielder Mario Suarez could leave if the offer is right along with Mexican strikerRaul Jimenez, who disappointed in his first season with the club.
Leo Baptistao spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano and could again be on the way out in either a temporary or permanent switch. Toby Alderweireld had a good year at Southampton and is expected to move to England on a permanent basis, either with the Saints, Chelsea or Manchester City.
Mario Mandzukic and Miranda are the most likely members of Atletico’s regular starting XI from last season to be on the move this summer.
The former Bayern Munich striker has been monitored by a number of clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Monaco along with sides in the Premier League. Atleti are willing to cash in if they can land Tevez or a forward at a similar level. Juventus are the current favourites to sign the Croatian.
Miranda, meanwhile, has just one year left on his contract and will leave for a suitable offer if he does not choose to extend. AC Milan, Inter and Napoli are all potential suitors this summer, while the Brazilian stopper had been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United earlier in the year.
The club do not want to sell star attacker Antoine Griezmann and will refuse all offers unless his €60m buyout clause is matched. Midfielder Mario Suarez could leave if the offer is right along with Mexican strikerRaul Jimenez, who disappointed in his first season with the club.
Leo Baptistao spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano and could again be on the way out in either a temporary or permanent switch. Toby Alderweireld had a good year at Southampton and is expected to move to England on a permanent basis, either with the Saints, Chelsea or Manchester City.
THE COACH
Unlike Barcelona and Real Madrid, Atletico are enjoying a period of real stability under one coach.
Simeone signed a contract extension until 2020 in March, ending speculation of a move away and giving the popular Argentine the chance to build a dynasty at the Vicente Calderon.
Despite some subtle changes to the playing personnel, few expect any alterations to Simeone’s playing style – focused on work ethic, team synergy, a solid defence and a formation closer to a 4-4-2 than most of Europe’s other top clubs.
Unlike Barcelona and Real Madrid, Atletico are enjoying a period of real stability under one coach.
Simeone signed a contract extension until 2020 in March, ending speculation of a move away and giving the popular Argentine the chance to build a dynasty at the Vicente Calderon.
Despite some subtle changes to the playing personnel, few expect any alterations to Simeone’s playing style – focused on work ethic, team synergy, a solid defence and a formation closer to a 4-4-2 than most of Europe’s other top clubs.
HOW THEY COULD LINE UP
Jan Oblak will be hoping to earn the No.1 spot from Miguel Angel Moya after mainly being restricted to playing in cup and European fixtures for much of his debut season at the club.
Jose Gimenez is almost certain to step into the centre of defence alongside Uruguay colleague Diego Godin should Miranda leave. Filipe Luis would compete with Guilherme Siqueira at left-back if he is signed, while Juanfran will keep his spot on the right.
In midfield, Koke, Arda Turan and Gabi are likely to be first-choice, while Saul will be hoping to edge out experienced campaigner Tiago.
Griezmann and Tevez would make an impressive front two if the Juve striker is signed and Mandzukic departs. Vietto would also likely force his way into the line-up against lesser sides when Simeone can afford to opt for a more attacking selection.
Jan Oblak will be hoping to earn the No.1 spot from Miguel Angel Moya after mainly being restricted to playing in cup and European fixtures for much of his debut season at the club.
Jose Gimenez is almost certain to step into the centre of defence alongside Uruguay colleague Diego Godin should Miranda leave. Filipe Luis would compete with Guilherme Siqueira at left-back if he is signed, while Juanfran will keep his spot on the right.
In midfield, Koke, Arda Turan and Gabi are likely to be first-choice, while Saul will be hoping to edge out experienced campaigner Tiago.
Griezmann and Tevez would make an impressive front two if the Juve striker is signed and Mandzukic departs. Vietto would also likely force his way into the line-up against lesser sides when Simeone can afford to opt for a more attacking selection.