Atletico Fans Set To Jeer Alvarez As Simeone Calls Him Key Player

Simeone Press Conference

Julian Alvarez set for Atletico Return after missing Malaga win, coach Diego Someone confirm return.

Alvarez to return for Atletico against Villarreal, says Simeone...

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has confirmed that forward Julian Alvarez will return for Sunday’s La Liga match against Villarreal.

The Argentina international pushed for an exit this summer, but Atletico turned down offers from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal made contact with Atlético Madrid to discuss Julián Álvarez deal conditions.

Direct meeting took place in London with Atléti director Mateu Alemany.

Price currently too high + Julián never opened doors to England so far as wanted to join Barça… but #AFC tried.… pic.twitter.com/gvUTsmQfMR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2026

Alvarez, still working back to full fitness following his post-World Cup break, missed Atletico’s opening win over Malaga on Wednesday.

“Yes, he's going to be included in the squad list tomorrow and he's doing better,” Simeone told reporters Saturday.

“Obviously, he's still getting up to speed, like all his teammates.”

Atletico fans are expected to boo Alvarez for trying to force a move, with some already targeting him with insulting chants during Wednesday’s win over Malaga.  

Simeone previously said fans should be respected, but stressed he still sees Alvarez as a key player and does not share the criticism.  

“Obviously I don't share in any insults or slights. Let that be absolutely clear," said the coach.

“Julian is a hugely important player for achieving the goals we have as a team. We need him, we're going to look after him.

“That's from a sporting standpoint, and we're going to stand by him. Why? Because he's our player, and as long as there are players at Atletico Madrid who are mine, I'm going to look after them.”

Ready for tomorrow ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/cWSGxlLKjx

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 22, 2026

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was pressed on Saturday about whether the Spanish champions had dropped their interest in Alvarez, but said he would not comment on players from other clubs.