Juanfran: Simeone is world's best - I can't imagine Atletico without him

The Argentine coach is the best in the world, according to the right-back, who is sure he will remain in charge of the club beyond this season and into their new stadium

Juanfran expects Diego Simeone to remain at Atletico Madrid beyond this season, stating he cannot imagine the club without him in charge.

Simeone is under contract until June 2020, but has been linked with several top clubs and national teams after guiding Atletico to the Liga title in 2013-14, as well as two Champions League finals, losing to Real Madrid on each occasion. 

Atleti are set to leave their historic Vicente Calderon home at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign, with Spain international Juanfran convinced Simeone will want to lead the club through a period of off-field transition. 

The Argentine, though, may seek to reassess his future after FIFA rejected Atleti's appeal against a transfer ban, meaning the club will be unable to register and field new players for the next two transfer windows.

"I'm convinced that next year he will be our coach," Juanfran told the club's website before news of the judgement was released.

"He is excited, as we all are, with the new stadium. This year is the last in the Calderon, and all the Atleticos are going to live something special, I'm sure. 

"Everything in this life has to end, but to this day, I don't see an Atletico Madrid without Simeone. He's the best coach in the world and the best coach for this Atletico Madrid." 

Atletico have opened the league season with frustrating draws at home to Deportivo Alaves and away to Leganes.

Juanfran acknowledged it has been a disheartening start to the campaign, citing the increased expectations that accompany the team following their recent success as a factor. 

"The dressing room is better than ever," he said.

"We have had results that we would have preferred not having, but we only look forward to winning. I'm convinced that if we can win in Vigo, things will be seen differently. The team is doing well and we're getting players back from the national teams. 

"We will have a great match and we're going to win on Saturday. The team is doing well and we are not alarmed or nervous. 

"Atletico Madrid set the bar so high in the past few years that there is not a lot of patience. But we have a great squad. Every year we get better, and every year the club makes a bigger effort, and every year we have a better squad."