Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 7y

Gabi would consider coaching Atletico Madrid after retirement

Atletico Madrid captain Gabi has suggested he would like to continue at the club as a coach after he retires as a player.

Gabi has spent most of his senior career at the Estadio Vicente Calderon -- and skippered Diego Simeone's side to their recent successes, including the 2013 Copa del Rey and 2014 La Liga title, and into two Champions League finals.

The former Atletico youth teamer, 33, recently renewed his contract with the club up until June 2018, which is also when current Colchoneros coach Diego Simeone's deal ends after the Argentine surprisingly shortened the agreement last summer.

The Madrid-born midfielder was asked by AS whether he saw himself managing the team after he finally hangs up his boots.

"It's clear that I am an Atletico fan and I would love to continue to help," Gabi said. "When my time as a player ends, then I will set some other goals."

Gabi said he was currently playing well and felt fully comfortable in all aspects at the Calderon club.

"I'm in the best moment of my career," he said. "I have found my place inside the club, in the dressing room, in the team, on the pitch, and that is reflected in my performances."

Simeone is currently fielding Gabi as a central midfielder alongside playmaker Koke, with the duo helping the team to play some impressive football -- such as when beating Granada 7-1 in La Liga last weekend.

"I'm very comfortable with him, we complement each other well," Gabi said. "Koke is a complete player -- he works hard, defends, sets up goals, takes set pieces... He can play any position, and in the centre is where he can perform best for us.

"Playing there, he gives the team more options. In the centre he is on the ball more, and that helps the team."

Atletico had evolved over time into a team who can dominate games, Gabi said.

"I see the team now dominates all areas of the play," he said. "Two or three years ago we defended well, but we did not have a clear attacking style.

"Now the team knows how to read games very well. Atletico play with authority, know what to do in every moment, and that is shown in the games."

Gabi was asked if the current team reminded him of the side which won La Liga in 2014.

"No, I don't see it that way," he responded. "Then we had more veteran players, more experience, with players like [David] Villa, Diego Ribas, Diego Costa... This team is more motivated to win, more hungry for victory. It is similar in the objectives, but with a different way of playing."

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