Simeone hopes to restore Alvarez's goal-scoring form
Manager Diego Simeone hopes Julian Alvarez returns to scoring against Manchester United
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Madrid (AFP) – Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone hopes his compatriot, international striker Julian Alvarez, will regain his goal-scoring touch ahead of the Spanish club’s UEFA Champions League match against English side Manchester United.
United visit the Spanish capital’s club on Tuesday, seeking to build on their 4-0 thrashing of Sabah in the opening matchday of the competition’s new unified league phase, while Atletico suffered a 2-1 defeat to fellow English team Liverpool.
Alvarez has not scored for Atletico this season, having rejected the club’s desire to allow the 2022 World Cup champion to move to local rivals Barcelona.
Speaking at a press conference, Simeone said: “I think strikers with Julian’s characteristics always need goals, not just him.” He added that Alvarez is “a team player, and alongside his ability to score, he links up very well with his teammates, creates chances, and possesses many more tools than just scoring goals.”
Alvarez hit the post after coming on as a substitute in Atletico’s 2-1 win over Alaves in Matchday 8, a result that kept them second in the league table, five points behind leaders and defending champions Barcelona.
Simeone also commented on the former Manchester City player: “He had a good second half in that match, and we hope he continues to develop and reach the level we all want to see him at.”
Alvarez scored for Argentina in a friendly against Burkina Faso during the most recent international break, but has failed to find the net in five appearances for his club.
The Champions League final will be held next June at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, but Simeone insisted he is not thinking ahead, stating: “The reality is that we work day by day, and match by match.”
Atletico have won their last four matches, while United are struggling with poor results and have not won any of their last four games across all competitions since their victory over Sabah.
With just six points from their first six Premier League matches, United have endured their worst start in 40 years. However, Simeone said: “It will be a difficult match, and we must manage our efforts well to compete effectively.”
