Simeone explains Alvarez’s early exit after Atletico draw with Villarreal

Diego Simeone says Atletico de Madrid decided Julian Alvarez should not join his team-mates in approaching supporters after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

The Argentina forward left the pitch directly after the final whistle, with Simeone later explaining the club’s decision during his post-match news conference.

“The club’s decision was that Alvarez should not approach the fans alongside his team-mates,” said Atletico manager Simeone.

Atletico twice came from behind against Villarreal in the second round of La Liga, but were unable to secure a second successive victory at the start of the season.

Alvarez began the match on the bench and was introduced in the 66th minute. It was his first appearance of the campaign, having missed Atletico’s opening fixture, a 2-0 victory over Malaga.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Barcelona during the current transfer window. Reports have also suggested that Alvarez does not want to continue his contract with Atletico de Madrid.

However, Atletico’s board rejected the player’s request, insisting that he remains under contract with the club until 2030.

Simeone was asked whether he had offered Alvarez any advice after the player was jeered by sections of the crowd.

“I am not here to give advice. What I have to do is focus on my work, which, from a sporting point of view, is to give my best for Atletico de Madrid,” replied the Argentine.

Simeone has previously made clear that the club’s sporting ambitions depend on collective unity and greater effectiveness in attack. He said that remaining together would be essential if Atletico are to challenge for major honours.

“The only thing I know is that if Atletico de Madrid want to win a trophy, we have to be united, and we have to have forwards, and we have to have influential forwards,” he added.

“So we all have to work on that, on what we need.”

Alvarez joined Atletico after leaving Manchester City and has been a key part of the club’s forward options, but his absence from the opening league match and substitute role against Villarreal have added to speculation about his future.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the player, Atletico remain committed to the terms of his deal. The club’s position is that Alvarez is contracted to remain at the Metropolitano until 2030.

The draw with Villarreal left Atletico without a win in their second league outing, after they had started the season with a positive result against Malaga. Alvarez’s late introduction marked his first competitive action since the campaign began, but his immediate departure after the match became the main talking point following the final whistle.