Simeone urges Atletico to keep Alvarez after Metropolitano backlash

Diego Simeone has defended Julian Alvarez after the Atletico de Madrid forward was jeered by the club’s supporters during the match against Villarreal, his first appearance at the Metropolitano since he revealed his desire to leave during the summer transfer window.

Alvarez was booed when his name appeared on the stadium screen before kick-off, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The reaction was repeated when he went out to warm up and again after he came on during the second half.

The Argentina international left for the dressing room alone at the end of the game, following a recommendation from the club’s management in an attempt to avoid any further confrontation with the supporters.

Despite the hostility from sections of the Atletico de Madrid fanbase, Simeone made clear that he remained committed to the player and expected the team to continue competing with him while he remained part of the squad.

“We compete with the players who are with us, and I told them before the game that we would fight until the end with everyone who is in the team,” Simeone told DAZN.

The Atletico manager reiterated his position during his post-match news conference, stressing the importance of retaining a forward of Alvarez’s quality.

“We need outstanding strikers, and we have one of them, so we have to keep him,” said Simeone.

Alvarez’s future has become a major issue around Atletico following his stated wish to depart in the summer. The forward’s reception at the Metropolitano showed the strength of feeling among some supporters, but the club’s manager and players publicly offered their support.

Atletico captain Jan Oblak said the squad would stand behind Alvarez for as long as he remained at the club.

“As long as he is with us, we will support him because we know what he can offer,” said the goalkeeper.

Alejandro Grimaldo also praised the Argentine’s ability, describing him as “a great striker and a player who makes the difference”.

Giuliano Simeone, Diego’s son and an Atletico player, added that every member of the squad would continue to fight alongside Alvarez while he remained with the team.

The response from Simeone, Oblak, Grimaldo and Giuliano Simeone provided a strong contrast to the atmosphere among the supporters. While Alvarez left the pitch with the anger of the crowd still evident, he was backed by Atletico de Madrid’s management, coaching staff and dressing room.

Marca concluded that the forward had been left isolated in the eyes of the fans but had found a united front within the club. The public backing from Simeone and his team-mates underlined Atletico’s intention to maintain its support for Alvarez despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.