Simeone casts doubt on Atletico Madrid future: 'Is it the end of a cycle?'

Diego Simeone's future at Atletico Madrid is clouded by uncertainty.

Speaking after Atleti was beaten by its northern rival, Real Madrid, on penalty kicks in the Champions League final, Simeone didn't give a straightforward answer when asked if he had thought about resigning.

Saturday's final marked the second time in two years that Atleti surrendered the Champions League title to Real Madrid in agonising fashion, and, speaking at a news conference, Simeone was clearly heartbroken about how the curse of El Pupas lived on at San Siro.

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"Do I have to continue with Atletico or is it the end of a cycle," Simeone asked, according to the Guardian and agencies. "It's a logical question for you to ask after a defeat like the one we've suffered today.

"I feel proud of my players. Quite frankly I love my players. It's obvious that they've given everything that they have, and they always give everything they have. We had the chance to become champions, we didn't take that chance.

"We need to continue working, I have to think things out on my part. That's what I'm doing now. What is clear to me is that nobody remembers the losers. Losing two finals is a failure. We have to get over this and heal our wounds."

Simeone added: "You do your best, you try to do what you can, you get to two finals and you lose them both. One you lose 4-1, even though it was 2-1 for a long time, the other you lose on penalties. This cycle for me at Atletico, two finals in three years, is actually a marvellous achievement, but I am not happy with what I have achieved."

Since Simeone arrived at the Vicente Calderon in 2011, Atleti has added a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey crown to its trophy cabinet.