Simeone says Julián Álvarez is “doing very well”

“Julián is doing very well,” Diego Pablo Simeone said of Julián Álvarez ahead of the match against Barcelona. At a press conference, the Argentine coach also discussed the form of his own team and Flick’s side.

Asked about Barcelona’s attack and preparing his defence, Simeone said: “We are not trying to motivate the defence; we are trying to maintain the line we have been following.” He acknowledged the quality of the opposition: “We are playing against a very good team. We know we are going to suffer for a large part of the match.”

Simeone offered no particular explanation for his team’s stronger performances against Barcelona in knockout ties. Instead, he stressed the standard of the opposition: “We are playing against a very good team, the best, I have no doubt… with a very good attack from midfield forward.” Asked to compare Barcelona under Guardiola and Flick, he declined: “I’m not here to compare. I’m here to prepare for tomorrow’s match and do the best possible for our supporters.”

The coach also outlined the differences he sees in Barcelona’s attacking play. In his view, the team has retained recognisable principles, pressing high and winning the ball back while carrying a goal threat. He referred to the roles of Lewandowski and Olmo, then noted that Raphinha makes defending more complicated when he does not stay in the penalty area. Simeone also praised the player: “He is an extraordinary footballer. He works, scores and provides assists… He has made a brilliant start in a different position.”

On Julián Álvarez, his answer was direct: “Very well, he is doing very well.” Speaking about Jonathan David and Kang-in, he said they were playing the minutes in which they could contribute to the team. Looking ahead to the match, he also noted that Raphinha’s positioning had changed some of the reference points compared with the previous season, while hoping the supporters would be alongside his team.