Atletico Madrid coach Simeone ready to welcome Julian Alvarez back to training amid Barcelona interest
Diego Simeone says he will do everything he can to make Julian Alvarez feel important when the forward returns to training at Atletico Madrid. The Argentina international will miss Saturday's game against Sevilla and his future remains unresolved. Atletico have made it clear they will not sell him to Barcelona.
ByInfoBlaugrana
5 min read
Atletico Madrid head into Saturday's match against Sevilla without one of their key attacking pieces, and with an unresolved transfer saga hanging over the squad. Diego Simeone confirmed that Julian Alvarez will not travel to Andalusia and insisted he will be waiting with open arms when the striker returns to training. The Argentine coach looked to project calm as Barcelona continue their push for the World Cup winner.
- Diego Simeone promises to do everything he can to make Julian Alvarez feel important when he returns to training.
- The forward will miss the clash against Sevilla because he is not in good health.
- Atletico Madrid have released two statements in 24 hours stating they will not sell the player to Barcelona.
- Simeone admits Alexander Sorloth's absence adds more pressure on the team's attacking options.
- Cristian Romero is included in the squad for Sevilla, but the coach will not rush his adaptation.
What Simeone said about Julian Alvarez's return to training
Simeone was direct when asked about his striker's situation. "From the moment he returns to training, I will do everything I can to make him feel important," said the Atletico manager. The words are an attempt to ease tension after days marked by rumours and public back-and-forth between the parties.
The Argentine coach also left the door open for the situation to change direction. Asked whether Alvarez's stance could be reversed, he replied: "As long as you have your health, everything in life can be turned around." It was a careful answer that avoided ruling out any scenario, even though the club has already been forceful about a potential sale to Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid's firm stance on a Barcelona transfer
Atletico Madrid have moved quickly to shut down reports linking Julian Alvarez with a move to the Camp Nou. The club published two official statements in the space of 24 hours to repeat that the Argentina international will not be granted his wish to join Barcelona. Arsenal remain the only realistic exit route for the striker if he were to leave this summer.
Simeone understands why questions about Alvarez dominate his press conferences. Even so, he stressed that the club has already been "forceful and clear" in explaining the situation. The message from the board is that the forward remains a key part of the sporting project, and the coaching staff are planning with him staying in Madrid.
Why Julian Alvarez will miss the Sevilla match
Simeone confirmed that Julian Alvarez will not feature in Saturday's game at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The reason is his health: the striker is not feeling well and missed his third consecutive training session on Friday. The decision comes at a delicate moment, with the transfer window entering its final stretch.
Alexander Sorloth is also unavailable through injury, leaving Atletico Madrid without two key attacking figures for the trip to Seville. "Sorloth's absence hurts us. He's very important for us," Simeone admitted. The coach believes the team will have to find collective solutions to keep scoring goals.
How the double absence affects Atletico Madrid's attack
Losing both strikers forces Atletico Madrid to look for answers in other areas of the pitch. Simeone explained that Julian Alvarez's situation has "much more impact" on the squad, but he is confident the dressing room will find a way to create chances and score. The aim is for the team to take a collective step forward.
The coach does not believe the uncertainty over Alvarez's future is affecting his players. "Honestly, no," he said when asked. He highlighted the work of the internationals who have returned from the World Cup and the solid performances against Malaga and Villarreal. The focus, he insisted, is on producing a strong display in Seville against a confident opponent.
Cristian Romero's return and the latest squad news
The positive news for Atletico Madrid comes in defence rather than attack. Cristian Romero, the Argentine centre-back signed this summer from Tottenham for 40 million euros, will travel with the squad to Seville. However, Simeone asked for patience with his adaptation: "He needs time to find his best form and we will not speed up the time to rush him."
Frequently asked questions about Julian Alvarez and Atletico Madrid
Frequently asked questions
Why is Julian Alvarez not playing against Sevilla?
Diego Simeone confirmed the striker is not in good health and will miss Saturday's match. It was his third consecutive training session away from the group.
Will Atletico Madrid sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona?
Atletico Madrid have released two statements in 24 hours making it clear they will not sell the player to Barcelona. The club will not grant Alvarez his wish to join the Catalan side.
What has Simeone said about Julian Alvarez's future?
The coach promised to do everything possible to make him feel important when he returns to training. He also said that as long as you have your health, everything in life can be turned around.