Punishment for Julián Alvarez? Argentine Star Given Extra Work at Atlético

Julián Alvarez stays behind for extra work

Julián Alvarez put in an extra shift at Atlético Madrid as Diego Simeone’s squad continued preparations for their upcoming trip to face Athletic Club at San Mamés.

The Argentine was among several players who stayed behind after the main session for additional work. There was no disciplinary reason behind it, however, with Atlético’s coaching staff tailoring workloads for players who returned to preseason at different stages.

Alvarez worked alongside Cuti Romero and Marc Pubill, all three of whom featured in the most recent World Cup final and therefore returned later than many of their teammates. The trio went through a series of change-of-pace running drills at Cerro del Espino.

Simeone carefully manages his squad

Alvarez’s workload also reflects his lack of recent playing time. Both the Argentine and Romero were unused in Atlético’s latest game against Sevilla, while Pubill played the full match.

With players at different stages of their physical preparation, Simeone and his staff are looking to bring the squad up to speed without pushing anyone too hard early in the campaign.

Koke and Robin Le Normand were also given additional work after training. The pair, who completed the entire preseason but saw limited action against Sevilla, went through continuous running exercises at varying intensities.

Jonathan David sharpens his finishing

Jonathan David was another player who stayed behind, although Atlético had something different in mind for their new striker.

The Canadian worked on his finishing alongside Ademola Lookman, with the two attackers testing goalkeeper Salvi Esquivel, who is now fully integrated into the first-team setup.

Lookman has also helped David settle into his new surroundings. Their shared command of English has made communication easier, with David having grown up in Canada and the United States and the Nigeria international born and raised in London.

Atlético step up preparations for San Mamés

The additional sessions come as Atlético Madrid put the finishing touches on their preparations for a demanding visit to Athletic Club.

For Alvarez, the focus is on building rhythm after his delayed return to preseason and his absence from the pitch against Sevilla. The extra work is designed to get the Argentine closer to peak condition rather than serve as any form of punishment.

With one final training session still to come, Simeone will have another opportunity to assess his squad before deciding how big a role Alvarez and Atlético’s other attacking options will play at San Mamés.

3 Key Takeaways From Julián Alvarez’s Extra Work

• No punishment involved: Alvarez’s extra session was part of Atlético’s plan to manage individual workloads.
• Building up his fitness: the Argentine worked alongside Cuti Romero and Marc Pubill after all three returned late following the World Cup.
• David stayed behind too: Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman focused on finishing drills as Atlético prepare for Athletic Club.

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