Diego Simeone believes Atlético Madrid are on the verge of something special—and he's not just talking about this season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's penultimate home match against Celta Vigo at the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Atlético boss took a moment to reflect on the 2025/26 campaign. With Champions League qualification already secured, the focus has shifted to chasing down Villarreal for third place and looking ahead to what could be a defining era for the club.

"Of course, Champions League qualification is extremely important—it's the club's top priority," Simeone said. "Just as Real Madrid and Barcelona's priority is to win the league, our primary goal is to qualify for the Champions League. But our aim is to get closer to winning the title at some point."

The Argentine coach described this season as "hard to explain," pointing to the emotional highs and lows that have defined the journey. A Copa del Rey final that slipped away on penalties. A hard-fought semifinal victory after an incredible quarterfinal battle against Barcelona. "Given what we had to offer, we gave absolutely our all—and even more," he added.

Simeone acknowledged the frustration of coming so close, but he also sees the bigger picture. "It's incredibly difficult to reach the position we've been in this season. Being so close always makes you feel like you could still be there. It makes you angry, disappointed, and frustrated. But today I'm okay, because I remind myself: we have to be grateful for everything that's been happening to us in recent years."

He traced the club's growth from where they started to where they are now—a powerhouse that has reached four Champions League semifinals in 14 years, played in two finals, and consistently competes at the highest level. "The only way we can allow ourselves to have that hope and that new opportunity is to keep trying, to keep working the way we've been working."

"We're very close to what we envisioned," Simeone continued. "But to get there, we need to keep working hard in every area. If we do a good job in every area, the team will continue to grow. The club, needless to say, is growing too."

For Atlético Madrid, the pieces are falling into place. The foundation is strong. The ambition is clear. And as Simeone puts it, the title that once seemed far away might not be that far at all.