Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his support behind Julian Alvarez following the striker’s public apology to the club’s supporters over his previous remarks about a possible move to Barcelona.
Alvarez addressed the controversy after Atletico secured a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna, seeking to ease tensions with fans who had expressed their displeasure over his comments about his future.
The Argentine forward, popularly known as the ‘Spider’, had faced criticism from sections of the Atletico fanbase after revealing his ambition to play for Barcelona, a statement that fuelled transfer speculation and strained his relationship with supporters.
Simeone Praises Alvarez’s Humility
Simeone welcomed the forward’s decision to apologise, describing him as a humble and hardworking player who values his teammates.
The Atletico manager said the gesture demonstrated Alvarez’s character, adding that publicly admitting fault was not an easy decision.
“I value very much the moment of asking for forgiveness because it is not easy. Julian is a humble, hard-working boy who loves his teammates, and I appreciate his apology because it positions him in the place that he is. I am not here to judge whether it was right or wrong. Life develops and I appreciate this. It is welcome,” the coach stated, as quoted by Marca.
Alvarez’s relationship with Atletico supporters had become strained following his comments during the 2026 World Cup, when he spoke about his dream of playing for Barcelona.
The remarks generated speculation about his future and prompted some supporters to jeer him during Atletico’s early home matches this season.
However, his decisive contribution against Deportivo appeared to improve the atmosphere at the Metropolitano, with sections of the crowd giving him a standing ovation.
Alvarez’s Performance Delights Atletico Boss
Simeone also praised the striker’s display against Deportivo, highlighting the positive reaction from supporters after his goal.
“He had a fantastic game, the fans celebrated his goal like they do a team goal, and Julián played brilliantly, just like the other day in the Champions League. We need Julián in this form,” Simeone said.
The manager expressed satisfaction with the victory, acknowledging Alvarez’s contribution to the team’s recent performances.
“I am very happy with the result and thank God Julian was like he was in Stuttgart to give us three points today,” the coach noted.
Alvarez has been influential in Atletico’s recent run, recording two goals and an assist across his last three appearances.
His performances have also helped the club maintain its challenge for the La Liga title.
Atletico are now within two points of league leaders Barcelona, keeping them firmly in contention as the campaign progresses.
Simeone Admits Atletico Struggled Against Deportivo
Despite securing all three points, Simeone acknowledged that his team struggled to impose its preferred style of play for much of the encounter.
The Atletico manager admitted his players found it difficult to regain possession and failed to execute their original game plan.
He explained that substitutions helped inject fresh energy into the side and created additional scoring opportunities, although the team’s inability to extend its lead made the closing stages increasingly tense.
“It was a hard and difficult game, it cost us to recover and we did not play the game we imagined. We were not comfortable,” Simeone explained.
“We changed things and the changes gave us more energy, we generated goal situations. We entered the path of the game that does not end up closing with the 1-0. That’s why Sorloth came on. But by not scoring we entered the panic that these results always lead to.”
The victory nevertheless provided a boost for Atletico, while Alvarez’s apology and improved relationship with the supporters offered encouragement for the weeks ahead.
Simeone will hope the Argentine forward maintains his current form as Atletico continue their pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league.
