LaLiga
Simeone's stance unchanged on Alvarez
Atletico Madrid face Sevilla on Saturday, but Julian Alvarez will not be part of Diego Simeone's squad amid an ongoing transfer saga.… Show More
Atletico Madrid face Sevilla on Saturday, but Julian Alvarez will not be part of Diego Simeone's squad amid an ongoing transfer saga.
Alvarez was jeered by Atletico fans last week, after a 2-2 home draw with Villarreal.
The Argentina international has made it clear he wants to leave Atletico, with Barcelona having had multiple offers rejected.
This week, Atletico released a statement insisting Alvarez would not be sold to Barca, while Arsenal is also said to be interested in the former Manchester City attacker.
Alvarez has not trained for the past three days and will not be included in Atletico's travelling party to Sevilla.
However, Simeone says there has been no change when it comes to a potential transfer progressing.
"My stance remains the same," Simeone said. "From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us. Obviously, Julian won't be available tomorrow.
"Once Julian returns to train with us, we will give him everything we've always given him to make him feel, as he has felt, important, as he is to this team.
"I think the club was very firm and clear in everything they explained [regarding Alvarez's situation] and everything that is going to happen."
Simeone, however, does not think the Alvarez saga has disrupted his team.
"Honestly, no," he said. "I don't see that. The players are working very well. We've had good games against Malaga and Villarreal. They are focused on having a good game tomorrow.
"The team is trying to find, from a collective effort, solutions that will allow us to score."
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