Simione: I will support Julian Alvarez until the end

Diego Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid, once again defended striker Julian Alvarez, emphasizing that the club’s pursuit of trophies requires heavy-hitting forwards and stressing the need to improve the relationship between the player and the fans.

Speaking after a 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Sunday evening in La Liga, Simeone said: “If we want to win titles and stay together, we must look after Julian, because he is staying with us.”

The Argentine manager added: “Julian played for a few minutes today, and his teammate Lukman does not excel in the role of a traditional center-forward; he struggles significantly when his back is to goal. He is much more effective in one-on-one situations and when making runs into open space.”

In comments highlighted by the newspaper Mundo Deportivo, he continued: “I take responsibility when any player does not perform at their best, and winning titles requires a standout striker.”

When asked again whether that striker was Julian, he replied: “We compete with the players we have. Even today, before stepping onto the pitch, I told the players that I would support them with all my strength as long as they are in the squad.”

Simeone declined to comment on refereeing decisions, stating: “We took the lead, but we did not behave well afterward. I will not share my opinion regarding the referee awarding two penalties against us.”

The Argentine manager preferred to focus on his team’s positives, saying: “The reaction was impressive despite playing with ten men. My team wanted to win even though we finished the match with ten players. We are awaiting strong support from other players when they regain their fitness, but I am pleased with the squad’s composition.”

On the subject of new signings, Simeone concluded: “Moving from one club to another is not easy, and rapid integration is difficult. However, the quicker they adapt, the better it will be for them and for the team, because the squad needs them.”