Simeone urges Álvarez to keep improving before Manchester United clash

Before facing Manchester United, Simeone has urged Álvarez to keep improving. The forward came on as a substitute against Alavés on Saturday and struck the post with a shot. The coach praised his display after the break while stressing the importance of goals for forwards with his profile.

“I think attackers with Julián’s characteristics always need to score goals, and he is not the only one,” Simeone said at a press conference on Monday. He also stressed that Álvarez offers more than finishing: “Beyond his ability to finish attacks, he is a team player who combines well with his teammates, can create goal-scoring chances and has many other qualities besides scoring.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s second half, Simeone added: “He had a good second half in Saturday’s match, and we hope he continues to improve and reaches the level we all want to see him at.”

On the final scheduled for next June at Atlético Madrid’s stadium, he summed up his approach: “The reality is to work day by day and match by match.” For the meeting with Manchester United, his message also focused on managing exertion: “The match will be long and difficult, and we must manage our efforts well so that we can compete as we should.”