Simeone defends Atletico Madrid stance in Julian Alvarez-Barcelona saga: ‘I remain in the same position’

Another chapter has opened in the ‘Julian Alvarez case’.

Following the public exchange between Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste after the Champions League draw, Los Colchoneros manager Diego Simeone faced the media today ahead of their match against Sevilla.

The coach once again gave his view on the summer’s biggest transfer saga, involving Alvarez, Barcelona, and Atletico.

Alvarez to miss Sevilla game

Speaking to the media, Simeone confirmed that Alvarez will miss the match after sitting out the last three training sessions, but he remained optimistic when asked whether the striker’s situation could eventually be turned around at the Metropolitano.

“I understand that all the questions are going to be about what is happening with Julian. The club was very firm and clear in what it explained,” Simeone explained, as quoted by SPORT.

“I remain in the same position: waiting, from a sporting perspective, to be able to help him and for him to remain the hugely important footballer he is for us. He won’t be available tomorrow, obviously,” he added.

Asked about his preferred attacking partnership for Atletico during the 2026/27 season, Simeone did not hesitate.

“Julian Alvarez and Sorloth,” he replied, although the Norwegian is currently injured.

“His absence obviously hurts us. He is hugely important to us, and it has an even greater impact because of Julián’s situation.

“The team is trying, through collective effort, to find solutions and create goalscoring opportunities. We are working with them to understand what is happening to us,” Simeone explained.

Simeone believes the situation can still be repaired

The coach was inevitably asked one final question about Alvarez’s future and whether the relationship with the player could be restored.

“I understand the follow-up question, but I think I’ve explained myself clearly. I don’t have much more to explain.

“From the moment Julian returns to training with us, we’ll give him what we’ve always given him so that he feels important, because that’s what he is for our team,” Simeone concluded.

His message was therefore consistent with Atletico’s official position: Alvarez remains part of the sporting project, and Simeone believes there is still time to rebuild the relationship.

For now, however, the Argentine remains away from the group and will not feature against Sevilla.