Diego Simeone returned to face reporters and moved to clarify his previous comments after being accused of tacitly backing the hostile treatment Julian Alvarez has received from a section of Atletico Madrid’s fanbase.
“I want to finish the sentence I started at the last press conference, where I said I respected the fans. That’s absolute, it’s always been that way, but obviously I don’t support insults or abuse. Let that be clear. Any word right now, when people are waiting for that kind of division, can generate conflict and uncertainty,” Simeone said during a press conference.
The controversy traces back to Atletico’s LaLiga opener against Malaga, when Alvarez wasn’t included in the squad, due to not being fully fit physically, and didn’t attend the match to support his teammates.
A section of supporters responded with chants directed at the absent forward during the 2-0 win, and Simeone’s initial response, saying only that he respected the fans, was widely interpreted as siding with them rather than defending his player.
Before wrapping up, Simeone confirmed Alvarez will be included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Villarreal. “Yes, he’s going to be in the squad. He’s in better shape physically,” the coach said, setting up what could be Alvarez’s first minutes since the World Cup amid all the surrounding controversy.
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Cristian Romero backs Julian Alvarez amid Atletico Madrid fan tension: ‘I see him very well’
Simeone reaffirms Atletico’s stance on Alvarez’s future
The Argentine coach also reaffirmed the club’s stance on Alvarez’s future, aligning himself with comments made by club official Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. “The uncertainties aren’t there. Miguel Ángel spoke clearly. For me, he’s an extremely important player for us to reach our sporting objectives. We’re going to be with him, we’re going to take care of him from a sporting standpoint. Why? Because he’s our player. As long as he’s at Atletico, I’m going to take care of him,” he added.
The comments leave little doubt that, at least publicly, Atletico‘s hierarchy is presenting a united front on Alvarez’s situation, coach and club officials alike insisting he remains central to their plans regardless of how the transfer saga with Barcelona has played out.
