Simeone defends Julián Álvarez and highlights Atlético’s strength

Diego Simeone defended Julián Álvarez ahead of Atlético de Madrid’s match against Manchester United, scheduled for Tuesday in the second round of the Champions League group stage. The coach also emphasised the striker’s qualities beyond his finishing.

Álvarez has not scored in the Spanish league since February 28. His most recent goal in the competition gave Atlético a 1-0 win over Oviedo at the Tartiere stadium. Simeone played down the spell without a goal, noting that players with the Argentine’s profile are not the only ones who need to score.

The coach focused instead on Álvarez’s contribution to the team’s play: “He is a team player, he can link things together and coordinate the game, and he has many other qualities beyond simply scoring goals.” Simeone also praised his second-half display in the previous match and said he hoped the forward would continue to improve.

Looking ahead to the game, Simeone described Manchester United as a side that presses high and has quick players. He said that, despite their many draws, they played as they had last season and remained a strong team. Atlético, he said, would need to find a way to hurt them.

Simeone’s message went beyond the question of goals: he presented taking each match as it comes as one of Atlético’s strengths. “Let’s focus on the matches in front of us, one game at a time […] that is where our strength lies,” he said. He also urged calm in managing the starting players, warning that the match would be long and difficult.