Simeone confirms Alvarez will feature in Atletico Madrid derby against Real Madrid

Diego Simeone says Julian Alvarez will be available for Atletico Madrid’s derby against Real Madrid on Sunday, while expressing his admiration for Jose Mourinho ahead of the La Liga meeting at Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Alvarez missed Atletico’s past two matches because he was not fully fit, but returned to training on Friday.

“He will be with us,” said Simeone at his news conference on Saturday. “We will decide whether he starts the match or comes on in the second half.”

Simeone also paid tribute to Mourinho, who is now in charge of Real Madrid, and said he remained a long-standing admirer of the Portuguese manager.

“Talking about many years ago does not suit me,” he said. “I have enormous respect for Mourinho. I am one of his admirers, and he knows how much I appreciate him.

“I hope we can compete as we did when we faced him.”

Simeone previously met Mourinho during the latter’s first spell as Real Madrid manager between 2010 and 2013. The Argentine lost all three of his La Liga matches against him.

Simeone identifies key derby challenges

Simeone said Real Madrid’s ability to attack quickly after regaining possession would be a central feature of the contest.

“The characteristics of each team will be important,” he said. “They will have better transitions than us and be more direct. They are strong players and they play in that way.

“We have to interpret the game as well as possible, so that losing the ball does not allow their players to feel more comfortable during the very quick transitions they have.”

Asked about Grimaldo’s adaptation to Atletico, Simeone said the process was naturally gradual. The player had already taken responsibility against Real Sociedad by scoring a penalty and providing an assist.

“We need to help him defensively and he must increase his effort to find a balance between his attacking ability and the defensive side,” Simeone added. “We have to help him, and he has to help us.”

Simeone said new players would feel the pressure and excitement of a Madrid derby, but argued that composure and belief would be crucial.

“I am not someone who gives advice,” he said. “It is normal for new players to feel pressure because of the excitement a match like this creates, as well as the calmness it demands.

“Calmness. Football needs calmness. These players have talent. There is one word that sums everything up: confidence.”

Lookman adds a different threat

Simeone described Ademola Lookman as a player who offered Atletico qualities they did not otherwise possess, particularly in one-on-one situations.

“He is a type of player we do not have, and he is the one most capable of making a difference in individual duels. We need that,” he said.

“His attacking qualities have helped us greatly since he arrived. His start has not been as I would have wanted, but he will show what he can do because he has different qualities.”

The manager said Madrid was enjoying an exceptional week, having taken part in a Formula 1 race and watched Shakira perform before the derby.

“The city is living through an amazing week,” he said. “Madrid is growing. There is a wonderful energy.”

Simeone added that Koke, Holmundo and Cardoso had created strong competition for places in midfield, with each offering different characteristics.

“We hope we make the right choice,” he said.

“The derby is different. There is enormous tension and excitement because of the rivalry and the competition we have managed to recover over the last 15 years.

“Confidence is an important value in this match.”