The start of the season couldn’t have been more turbulent for Atlético Madrid. On top of their 2-1 defeat to Espanyol in the opening match of LaLiga, growing tension now surrounds Julián Álvarez. Despite scoring a stunning free-kick, the Argentine striker was substituted before the final whistle. According to reports on El Chiringuito, the player’s entourage is deeply frustrated with Diego Simeone’s management and is even questioning whether joining the rojiblancos was a mistake.

Growing Discontent Around Julián Álvarez

Journalist Matías Palacios revealed that Álvarez’s inner circle feels both disappointed and resigned. Even though the striker closed last season with impressive numbers (29 goals and 8 assists in 57 matches), he never felt like a central figure under Simeone.

Palacios recalled that last year the “Araña” was often deployed in uncomfortable positions, such as left wing, and was even benched in key moments — sparking the first warning signs. “He scored more than twenty goals, yet he wasn’t given the role that a world-class star deserves,” said the journalist.

The goal against Espanyol, which looked set to mark a bright start, was overshadowed by his substitution eight minutes from time. That decision reportedly pushed Álvarez’s entourage to the limit, with some even admitting in private: “Maybe we made a mistake coming to Simeone’s team.”

Disappointment Beyond the Player

The frustration isn’t confined to Álvarez’s circle. Journalist Iñaki Villalón also revealed on El Chiringuito that there had been an unspoken agreement within Atlético Madrid to avoid repeating last season’s internal conflicts. However, the Argentine’s substitution in the league opener caught even the club’s board off guard, as they had expected Álvarez to be the undisputed leader of the project.

Despite the disappointment, no one questions the striker’s professionalism. Álvarez is expected to give his all for the rojiblanco shirt, but analysts warn this could be his final season in Madrid if the relationship with Simeone does not improve.

For now, Atlético Madrid must find a way to bounce back after a shaky start, while an uncomfortable question lingers at the Metropolitano: Was signing Julián Álvarez a mistake for a system as rigid as Cholo Simeone’s?