Simeone says Alvarez remains central to Atletico Madrid plans before Villarreal clash

Diego Simeone says Julian Alvarez remains a key player for Atletico Madrid and has rejected any suggestion that there is uncertainty over the forward’s position at the club.

The Atletico manager was speaking at a news conference before his side’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal, where he confirmed Alvarez would be included in the squad for the following day’s match.

Simeone also made clear that, while he respects Atletico’s supporters, he would not accept insults or abuse directed at Alvarez.

“First, I want to complete the sentence I said at the last news conference, when I mentioned that I respect the supporters,” Simeone said. “That respect is absolute, and it always has been, but of course I do not share or accept insults or abuse.

“That must be clear, because at a time when people are generally waiting to create division, conflict and doubt, any word can cause that.”

The Argentina international’s future and status at Atletico Madrid have been the subject of discussion, but Simeone insisted there was no doubt about his importance to the team.

“There are no doubts about Alvarez’s situation, and Miguel Angel spoke clearly,” he added. “For me, he is a very important player in achieving our sporting objectives.

“We will be with him and look after him from a sporting point of view. Why? Because he is our player, and as long as he is at Atletico, I will look after him and protect him.”

Simeone confirmed that Alvarez had improved his level of preparation and match fitness ahead of the Villarreal fixture.

“Yes, Alvarez will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game, and he is in a better position in terms of fitness and preparation,” said the Atletico boss. “Tomorrow we will try to manage a difficult match against a strong opponent.

“We are still at the stage of managing minutes and physical effort, while the teams we are facing do not have this problem.”

The Atletico manager admitted he remained concerned about the overall condition of his squad and said he would have preferred to have every player available when making his selection.

“It still worries me, and I wish I could have everyone available so I could choose who can play,” he said. “I have to think about the physical and emotional side, and how the players will respond given the amount of time they have spent on holiday.

“Not to mention Cuti’s situation, as he has only just started. We have work to do and need to be creative in trying to make the team compete well.

“We remain clear that when we are together, we become a complicated and difficult team to play against.”

Simeone was also asked about Alvarez’s mental and emotional state. The Argentine said it was impossible for one person to know precisely how another was feeling, but he had been encouraged by the forward’s conduct in training.

“It is difficult for anyone to determine individually how another person feels, because I am not that person,” he said. “What I see is that he is working in the best possible way and training with his team-mates with great respect for everyone.

“I have no doubts about the path we have chosen with the club, which is to build a great team. That is our objective.

“The important thing must be the Villarreal match and nothing else. That is what I am focused on.”