Simeone revealed why Saul asked to leave

2020/21 wasn't exactly Saul's best season. He made 41 appearances - 30 of which came as a starter - scoring just one goal and providing an assist. Atletico's number 8 recognised that, mentally, he went through some difficult times.

Saul doesn't feel entirely comfortable at the club and wants to leave. United and Liverpool are the two best-placed suitors to sign the player, although Barcelona remain interested by a potential swap deal with Atletico which would see Griezmann go the other way.

Diego Simeone took interviews with 'Marca' and 'AS', with both media outlets asking him about the situation with Saul. The manager acknowledged that he could end up leaving the Metropolitano.

"You all know better than anyone what Saul has asked for. What made him the player he is today is playing in different positions. When his level dropped, this was used to say that that was his problem, that it had been detrimental to him, but that's not true", he said to 'Marca'. 

To 'AS', Simeone admitted that this idea of playing Saul in different positions on the pitch had led him to think about looking for another club. "Saul is who he is by playing in every position, but he, or many of those around him, see it as something negative", he acknowledged.

Simone didn't want to delve into whether he has to leave or if that would be the best thing - whatever happens, he hopes that all goes well for him. "I've spoken with him. If he stays, he will have to work as he always has done. If he goes, the door is open in the best way possible.

"Here we're not going to give anything away. There's a lot of competition in the middle of the park. And if he has to leave, a big hug (from us)... and we wish him all the best and hope to remain friends. I hope he does well at Barcelona or wherever it may be", he concluded.