Simeone backs Messi for Ballon d’Or as Atletico Madrid prepare for Osasuna

Diego Simeone says Lionel Messi is his clear choice to win the Ballon d’Or, while confirming Julian Alvarez will miss Atletico Madrid’s home match against Osasuna on Wednesday.

The Atletico manager was speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, on the eve of the La Liga meeting at the Metropolitano, with his side facing increasing criticism despite sitting fifth in the table on 10 points.

Atletico have won three of their five league matches, drawn one and lost one. They have also collected six points from nine away from home amid a demanding schedule and continued scrutiny.

Simeone confirmed that Alvarez has not recovered in time to feature against Osasuna.

“Based on what we discussed with the medical team, he is still in the recovery phase and will not be available for tomorrow’s match,” said Simeone, as reported by Spanish newspaper Marca.

Asked whether Jonathan David would start in Alvarez’s absence, Simeone said the forward’s role had not yet been decided.

“Jonathan came on very well in the last match. We will assess whether he starts or comes on in the second half, and we will make that decision tomorrow morning,” he said.

Simeone rejected the suggestion that Atletico’s results away from home did not match the criticism surrounding the team. He said the issue was the time available for recovery after recent fixtures.

“At first, I was not talking about the schedule but about the recovery period. We returned late from San Sebastian and from the Champions League, and that is normal,” he said.

“We are used to the negativity from some people. As soon as there is any opportunity to criticise, it is there, but that is part of development, so welcome to it.”

The Argentine said Atletico were still adapting after significant changes to the squad.

“We are a team under construction. Seven players have left and five new players have joined, along with several academy players, and it is not as simple as it may appear,” he said.

“But we are competitive and will continue to improve as we play more matches. That is how I see it. We are in the process of building and need time, which the football world does not give you.”

Simeone also called on Atletico supporters to provide strong backing against an Osasuna side he said had similar needs.

“What we need is to put in a strong performance against an opponent who is going through the same need as us,” he said.

“We need the energy of the fans and for the players to translate that into what happens on the pitch. We are coming from a difficult match and hope to find the same passionate atmosphere as usual.”

Asked about Jose Mourinho’s surprise that journalists had not questioned him about penalties awarded to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Simeone laughed and replied: “I have nothing to say or comment on.”

On his preferred Ballon d’Or winner, Simeone was unequivocal: “Messi, without any doubt. After the World Cup he produced, and at this age? Messi, without any doubt.”

He also described the three-week break as unfamiliar but said the squad was adapting.

“A three-week break is something new, but we are trying to adapt to everything. The players have every desire, it is part of the game, and we are where we chose to be,” he said.