The Argentine who was an uncompromising defensive midfielder often described as having played with a knife between his teeth, has been brought in to replace Gregorio Manzano.

Simeone said the challenges though overwhelming is not something that cannot be overcomed,Simeone himself was once a player in the Spanish club.

Unlike Manzano 55, nicknamed ‘The Professor’ who was in charge for six months Simeone spoke surely of what is about to be achieved for the club.

A softly-spoken Mazano was sent packing after Atletico were knocked out of the King’s Cup by third-tier Albacete last week, and they lie 10th in La Liga and it narked the end of his reign as the club’s coach.

Atletico with 19 points from 16 matches and there is widespread discontent among fans about the way the heavily-indebted club are being run.

The club’s board are hopeful the appointment of Simeone will appease the fans.

Simeone is hugely popular at the Calderon, where he returns after two stints as a player.

In his first spell he helped the side to a league and King’s Cup double back in 1996 and as he spoke on Tuesday a huge queue of fans waited outside the stadium to try and grab a glimpse of the Argentine.

Simeone has only been in Spain one day, having quit his post at Argentina’s Racing Club last week, and preferred to avoid specifics when asked about future objectives.

Simeone is the 10th coach to take the helm at Atletico since they returned to the top flight under Luis Aragones in 2002.

They won the Europa League and European Super Cup 18 months ago, their first taste of silverware in 14 years, but instability continues to blight the club.

Simeone will lead Atletico against another of his former clubs Lazio when the Europa League resumes at the last-32 stage in February.