Simeone Makes Surprise Decision on Alvarez Before La Liga Kickoff

Diego Simeone has sparked controversy ahead of the new La Liga season by leaving Julian Alvarez out of Atletico Madrid’s squad against Malaga despite confirming his continued reliance on the Argentine striker.

  Wed , August 19 2026 / 07:36 PM Updated At: 2026-08-19 19:36:26

ألفاريز

Attention is turning toward Atletico Madrid as the club begins its La Liga campaign amid uncertainty surrounding Argentine star Julian Alvarez, after head coach Diego Simeone decided to leave him out of the squad for the opening-round match against Malaga. ⚽🔥

The decision comes at a sensitive time, especially as Alvarez has been linked with a possible departure from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window after informing the club of his desire to leave. However, the Spanish club has maintained its position and refused to open negotiations over his departure.

🟥 Simeone Explains Alvarez’s Absence

Diego Simeone explained that Alvarez’s absence from the match against Malaga is not related to a technical or disciplinary decision, confirming that the player has not reached the required level of physical fitness to take part in the game.

Atletico Madrid’s coaching staff believes that managing the player carefully at the beginning of the season is important, particularly with a long campaign ahead and several competitions awaiting the team.

Despite missing the opening match, Simeone’s comments sent a clear message regarding the player’s future after he confirmed his continued confidence in Alvarez’s abilities and his intention to rely on him throughout the new season.

⭐ Simeone Insists on Alvarez

Simeone did not stop at explaining the reason for the absence, but described Alvarez as one of Atletico Madrid’s best players, sending a message that the Argentine remains an important part of his tactical plans.

The Argentine coach also expressed his expectation that Alvarez will return to the squad for the upcoming match against Villarreal on Sunday, which could put an end to many of the rumors surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Simeone’s position reflects a clear desire to keep the player at the club, particularly because Alvarez possesses attacking qualities that make him an important component of Atletico Madrid’s plans for the new season.

🔥 Uncertainty Surrounding the Argentine Striker’s Future

Despite Simeone’s assurances, Alvarez’s situation remains under attention after he was linked with a possible departure from Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.

The club’s management does not appear willing to lose one of its key players, especially given the importance of maintaining technical stability before the start of a season in which Atletico hopes to compete strongly for domestic and European trophies.

The player’s movements and the club’s position are expected to remain under close observation in the coming period, particularly if new offers emerge that could reopen discussions about his future.

🛡️ Other Atletico Madrid Absentees

Alvarez was not the only player left out of Atletico Madrid’s squad against Malaga, as Simeone also excluded Argentine defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero, who recently joined the team.

Striker Alexander Sorloth will also miss the match because of injury, further reducing the options available to the coaching staff in attack.

These absences give Simeone an early challenge as he looks to find the right lineup and secure a strong start to the La Liga season.

📢 The New Season Brings Many Questions

The Malaga match carries particular importance for Atletico Madrid, not only because it marks the beginning of their La Liga campaign, but also because it comes amid several technical issues that require attention, especially Alvarez’s future and his readiness to compete in the coming period.

With Simeone confirming his commitment to the Argentine striker, the message appears clear: Atletico Madrid does not want pressure or speculation to affect its preparations for the new season.

The biggest question remains: Will Alvarez quickly return to action with Atletico Madrid and close the door on a possible departure, or will speculation over his future continue until the end of the transfer window? ⭐

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