Diego Simeone described the situation of Barcelona target Julián Álvarez as “perfectly clear” on Tuesday, with the Atlético Madrid coach saying he wants to “build a team” around the star forward this season.
Atlético kick off their LaLiga campaign hosting Málaga at the Metropolitano on Wednesday, although Simeone confirmed that Álvarez — who returned for preseason training later than his teammates, having played in the World Cup final with Argentina — isn’t yet ready to take part.
Álvarez’s future has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, with Real Madrid making a €150 million ($173m) bid and president Joan Laporta confirming Barça’s interest, although Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has insisted that the player is not available for transfer.
“I think if the club’s owner [Gil Marín] spoke categorically, as he did, then that’s it,” Simeone said in a news conference on Tuesday. “It’s perfectly clear. There’s nothing more to it. From there, we focus on the sporting side, trying to look after the person, the player, to get him in shape.”
Read more:Diego Simeone: Julián Álvarez central to Atlético Madrid plans despite Barcelona interest
ESPN reported last week that Simeone and Álvarez had held face-to-face talks, with the forward reiterating his desire to leave, and the coach saying that while Álvarez remained at the club, he would continue to play a key role in the team.
“I deal with the sporting side,” Simeone said on Tuesday.
“[Julian] is an extraordinary lad. We spoke, as we always do… We need more training sessions with him. He’s the best player we have in attack, I’ve said that and I still think that. I want to build a team around him.”
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Simeone was asked if Álvarez should apologise to Atlético fans who had been upset by the player’s public admission, during the World Cup, that he wanted a move.
“People will have their opinions,” Simeone said. “I’m very respectful of people’s opinions, I always have been in these situations — Diego Costa, [Antoine] Griezmann and now Julián.”
Simeone also praised new signing Cristian Romero, who joined from Tottenham at the weekend.
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“[He’ll bring] leadership, strength, quality, experience, commitment,” Simeone said.
“I see him as a player who embodies Atlético Madrid’s values, and he’s here to help us.”
