Maybe Atletico Madrid are really the third biggest club in the La Liga. But still it is the truth that they have been experiencing serious difficulties in being competitive for the title. Because they just can't make a good start to a season and their inconsistent look persists for a long time. Meanwhile Barcelona or Real Madrid are already capturing the lead and gaining a huge advantage there. We don't have the same old competitive Atletico Madrid anymore.
I wouldn't like to disrespect Simeone for sure. Because he has a wonderful history with Atletico Madrid full of impressive successes. But it doesn't look like his system works properly anymore. I think he will be leaving after the end of his contract.
Atletico Madrid transfer policy which made it difficult for them to compete for the title. Actually, Atletico Madrid has the potential to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona in the fight for the title, because Atletico Madrid management is too economical in spending money, they have to settle for finishing in the top four every season. Atletico inconsistent appearance is their main obstacle, this weakness needs to be considered to keep Atletico game on track. Simeone has made history with Atletico, he needs to be given quality player capital to bring Atletico to excel in La Liga and European competition.
It's a shame that what Atletico have experienced over the past season has only warmed them up to the top 4 and it could have resulted in even better results like winning La Liga had Simeone found additional funds to spend on players. We know very well that Simeone has coached Atletico for more than 10 years and he has managed to win the league title twice in that time. Atletico's owners seem very stingy to be able to get quality players and they prefer players with moderate quality to complete their squad in every season.