Simeone says Atletico have ‘nothing more to add’ on Julian Alvarez situation

Diego Simeone says there is “nothing more” to add about Julian Alvarez’s situation after Atletico Madrid’s owner spoke openly about the forward’s future.

Atletico begin their La Liga campaign against Malaga, but Simeone confirmed that Alvarez is not in the right condition to play in the opening-round fixture.

Alvarez spoke during the World Cup about his desire to leave Atletico Madrid. Simeone said he remained focused on the player’s sporting contribution, while acknowledging that the Argentina international needed more training before returning to his best level.

“Alvarez? I think that if the club owner has spoken frankly, there is nothing more to say,” Simeone told a news conference. “The matter is clearer than clear and there is nothing more. We care about the person and the player, and we understand that he is not in the right condition to play in this match.”

Simeone added: “I still stand by what I said. I am responsible for the sporting side; he is an exceptional person, and we have spoken as usual. From a sporting point of view, I understand that he needs more training to be at his best. We need more training sessions with him.”

The Atletico manager described Alvarez as his best attacking player and said the team should continue to be built around him because of his qualities and influence.

“He is our best attacking player, and I still believe that we need to build a team around him, given his strength, skill, leadership and talent, and everything he has given the team during the two years he has been here,” he said.

Simeone also accepted that supporters and observers would form their own views about the situation, recalling similar debate involving former Atletico players Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann.

“People will have their opinions and believe what they want, and I respect everyone’s opinion,” he said. “It happened with Diego Costa and Griezmann, and I respect what everyone may think.”

Atletico are still adapting their squad after players who featured in the World Cup returned at different times. Simeone said some had completed nine days of training, while others had been working for 13 or 14 days.

“We are in a period of stability and adaptation between the players who played in the World Cup final and the dates on which they arrived,” he said. “Some arrived late and others arrived early. We are in the middle of organising and preparing for what we are going to do, and we need time that we do not have because we are already playing competitive matches. But that is the reality.”

Simeone declined to identify his strongest possible starting team, saying the priority was to prepare every player and make the most of the squad currently available.

“I will not get into that,” he said. “We want to bring out the best in the team we have. Nothing surprises me about what may happen. We are ready for anything, and when the transfer window closes we will know what we have.”

He also praised Christian Romero, saying the defender would bring leadership, experience, commitment and a sense of belonging that would grow over time.

“He has the values that make him compatible with Atletico, and he is here to help us,” Simeone said.

The manager rejected the idea of trying to find another Griezmann, insisting that the Frenchman was a unique talent.

“I will not occupy myself trying to imagine another Griezmann, because there will not be another Griezmann,” he said. “We had a genius player, but as has happened with important players throughout their careers, we will find the best way to continue competing at the same level or even higher than the level Antoine provided.”

Atletico finished third in La Liga last season.