Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil has commented on Diego Simeone's future after the team finished bottom of their UEFA Champions League group.
Los Rojiblancos finished bottom of their group for the first time in Simeone's reign with the club, winning just one of their six matches in the group stage phase.
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Simeone's charges currently lie third on the LaLiga standings, but are nine points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
The Atletico chief executive has called on the supporters to back the manager despite the Champions League disappointment.
"I don't want to justify our bad performance in this Champions League," Gil wrote in an open letter on Atletico's website.
"We're all aware that it has been a failure and we must have the humility to recognise that... All of us who form part of the club -- directors, coaches and players -- are responsible for it and we accept it. It's a moment for self-criticism, to analyse the mistakes made and make up for them as soon as possible.
"Although the disappointment this year is great, we can't lose perspective. This group, with Diego Simeone as coach, have made us enjoy the targets we've achieved over the last, successful decade, and deserve our respect and trust to achieve the important objectives we still have this season.
"The season isn't over. We're third in LaLiga and we'll soon begin our participation in the Copa del Rey... Unity is our great strength, and we can't lose it."
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