Simeone Praises Julián Álvarez Again After Atlético Madrid Win: “He’s an Extraordinary Player…” In his post-match press conference, Cholo Simeone spoke about Julián Álvarez’s uncertain future at Atlético Madrid. It was the first question asked at the previous press conference and the main topic of discussion throughout the week. And although Atlético Madrid comfortably defeated Sevilla 3–1, immediately after the LaLiga victory, Diego Simeone was once again asked about Julián Álvarez’s future. “I’m not saying this now because of what’s happening with Julián. It’s something I always say: something can always happen, because this is football and something can happen. But I’m not saying it because of anything specific, okay?” Cholo warned, referring to the movements in a transfer window that will close this Tuesday, September 1. The Argentine manager was then pressed about Álvarez’s absences from the team’s recent training sessions. He replied: “He’s going through his own personal process, and we’ll be here to, once again, say that from a sporting perspective, we’ll try to help him, and for him to help us, because he’s an extraordinary player.” More emphatic was the response from Álex Baena, who scored twice against Sevilla, when speaking to Movistar LaLiga. The recent World Cup winner was asked whether he had “dressed up as Julián,” to which he replied: “I’ve dressed up as Baena. Everyone is different. This team has a lot to offer. Even though people say we don’t have a striker, we’ve scored seven goals in three games.” Julián Álvarez’s future at Atlético Madrid remains uncertain. Atleti are trying to keep the ball on the ground and shift the conversation back toward football: quality in midfield, players capable of beating opponents one-on-one and, without a fixed target man in the box, constant runs from the midfielders into space. That is how Álex Baena scored the first two goals of his brace (4' and 33'). The recent World Cup winner entered the opposition penalty area and fired a well-placed right-footed shot into the corner. His second was from further out and with even more power. Two stunning goals. In between them, the speedy Lookman left Odisseas Vlachodimos helpless in what became a genuine nightmare for Sevilla, who pulled one back in the second half through Miguel Sierra. What Atlético Madrid’s sporting director said about Julián’s future: “This is an issue that I think has exhausted the spectators. We have been very clear and very firm. The club’s Board of Directors said so publicly recently. Miguel Ángel Gil, our CEO, has said it repeatedly and clearly. I’ll refer back to that. Why talk about it any more…?” said Mateu Alemany, the Madrid club’s sporting director, ahead of the match against Sevilla. He was also very firm in his position: “The plan is crystal clear. He had a few days when he didn’t feel well, but he trained yesterday. We hope he reintegrates quickly and is available. Hopefully he’ll be there for the next league match. We talk to him a lot, normally.” The executive’s comments came after Arsenal’s interest in signing the Córdoba-born forward resurfaced. Álvarez reportedly would not be keen on returning to England because of a family decision. Manchester City have also reportedly made an attempt to sign him as the transfer window nears its close.   submitted by   /u/IndividualPleasant23 [link]   [comments]