Simeone: “I hope to help Julián continue being as hugely important as he continues to be for us”
Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s visit to Sevilla, with questions focused largely on Julián Alvarez and the striker’s recent situation.
Simeone addresses Julián Alvarez’s situation
Simeone said he expects the club’s position to remain clear while stressing Alvarez’s importance to Atlético Madrid:
“I understand that all the questions will be about Julián; the club were very clear about what is going to happen. From a sporting standpoint, I hope to help him so that he can continue being as extremely important as he continues to be for us. I’m focused on Sevilla, where he will not be able to play against an opponent coming off winning both matches”.
Atlético will also be without Alex, an absence Simeone believes will have an even greater impact given Alvarez’s situation:
“Alex’s absence hurts us because he is extremely important for us and with Julián’s situation it has a much greater impact. The team, through collective effort, tries to provide solutions. We are going to improve it collectively.”
Asked about Atlético’s ideal attacking partnership, Simeone named two forwards:
“Julián Alvarez and Sorloth”.
Atlético focused on Sevilla challenge
Simeone said Atlético have produced two strong performances and are preparing for an energetic Sevilla side backed by its home crowd:
“The team is working well, put in two good performances, and we are focused on having a good match”.
On Sevilla, Simeone added:
“We see the characteristics of their coach and how he has started, and there will be a lot of energy in a stadium that always supports”.
Simeone reflects on 800th match
Simeone also discussed his personal milestone after reaching 800 matches, expressing his gratitude to Atlético and everyone connected with the club:
“They forgot to congratulate me on my 800 matches! I’m doing well, happy, where I’ve wanted to be for the last 15 years, where they have given me everything. I am grateful to the club, to the people, to the coaching staff, and to the legacy we are leaving. Very eager to compete”.
Asked whether bringing Alvarez back into the group would be a challenge, Simeone reiterated his intention to support the forward:
“I understand the question and the follow-up question, but I think I have already explained my feelings. When I return to training I will do everything possible to make him feel as important as he has always been”.
Simeone also provided an update on Cristian “Cuti” Romero’s recovery:
“He needs his time to get back to his best form; we won’t rush things until he feels, and we feel, that he can perform”.
Asked whether the situation involving Alvarez could still be reversed, Simeone replied:
“In life, everything can be reversed as long as we have health”.
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