Simeone drawn on Alvarez ahead of Getafe clash
Diego Simeone has played down speculation Julian Alvarez could leave Atletico Madrid, insisting the main focus should be on the fact that the team is competing ahead of facing Getafe.
After Atletico's thumping 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League Roudn of 16 first leg in midweek, Alvarez said that while he was happy in the Spanish capital, he refused to confirm if he would be staying.
The Argentinean was decisive in that match, and has regained his scoring touch in LaLiga in recent weeks as well, helping his side significantly during a three-match winning streak.
While Simeone expected to be asked about Alvarez's comments, he insisted it should not draw focus away from their LaLiga outing on Sunday (AEDT).
"I understand all your questions," Simeone said when asked about Alvarez.
"We beat Club Brugge, and for you, the best player on the pitch was Oblak. The focus was on Oblak making a great save.
"We beat Barcelona, and the headline is that Griezmann might leave. Griezmann is staying with us and will play in the final.
"We won the other day, and the question is whether Julian might leave or stay. Julian made some appropriate statements. He's giving us a lot.
"I tell our fans that we're doing well … I told them we were going to compete, and we are competing."
Simeone has achieved 21 LaLiga victories against Getafe from 26 meeting, his highest total against a single opponent in the competition.
Atletico is looking for a fourth straight win in LaLiga as it continues its hunt for a top-four place, but it does have a nine-point cushion over fifth-place Real Betis.
Getafe is ninth heading into this clash, and has won its past two, following up a shock 1-0 win over Real Madrid with a victory over Betis last time out.
