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Simeone Includes Julián Álvarez in Squad Amidst Barcelona Transfer Rumors

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone affirmed Julián Álvarez is a crucial player for the team's objectives.
  • Simeone included Álvarez in the squad for the match against Villarreal, despite rumors linking him to Barcelona.
  • The coach defended Álvarez against potential fan criticism, emphasizing his importance and the club's commitment to him.

Diego Simeone, coach of Atlético Madrid, has publicly declared Julián Álvarez an "extremely important player" for the team's aspirations. This statement comes amidst persistent rumors linking the Argentine forward to a move to FC Barcelona.

For me, Julián is an extremely important player to achieve the objectives we have as a team.

— Diego SimeoneAffirming Julián Álvarez's importance to Atlético Madrid.

Simeone included Álvarez in the squad for Sunday's league match against Villarreal. He stressed that both the club's CEO, Miguel Gil Marín, and himself are aligned on keeping Álvarez. "We need him, we are going to take care of him from a sporting perspective and we will be with him. Why? Because he is our player, and as long as players who are mine are at Atlético Madrid, I will take care of them," Simeone stated.

We need him, we are going to take care of him from a sporting perspective and we will be with him. Why? Because he is our player, and as long as players who are mine are at Atlético Madrid, I will take care of them.

— Diego SimeoneExpressing commitment to Julián Álvarez amidst transfer speculation.

Álvarez, who missed the first league game due to fitness concerns, is reportedly improving. Simeone confirmed the player is "better" and participating in training with his teammates, showing "a lot of respect for everyone." The coach expressed no doubt about the chosen path with the club regarding Álvarez's future.

I see him training in the best way, he is working with his teammates with a lot of respect for everyone and I have no doubt about the path we decided to take with the club.

— Diego SimeoneCommenting on Julián Álvarez's current form and integration.

However, the situation remains sensitive. Álvarez himself had expressed a desire to leave the club during the World Cup, suggesting a transfer would be "best for everyone." The upcoming match against Villarreal might serve as a test for how the fans will receive the Argentine striker, especially after some negative chants were heard during the previous game against Málaga. Simeone urged respect, stating, "I respect my fans, it has always been that way, but obviously I do not share insults or grievances. Let that be made very clear."

I respect my fans, it has always been that way, but obviously I do not share insults or grievances. Let that be made very clear.

— Diego SimeoneAddressing potential negative reactions from fans towards Julián Álvarez.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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