Diego Simeone, the manager of Atlético Madrid, has expressed his excitement and high expectations for the club’s new signing, Julián Álvarez. The 24-year-old forward recently joined Atlético from Manchester City in a reported €75 million ($82.7m) deal.
According to Simeone, Julián Álvarez may be available for the upcoming LaLiga opener against Villarreal. Despite having only trained for four days with the team, the young forward has been quick to adapt and showcase his enthusiasm. Simeone emphasized that Álvarez’s playing style aligns well with Atlético’s DNA and is confident about the player’s potential to contribute significantly.
Despite making significant investments in players like Álvarez, Euro 2024-winning defender Robin Le Normand, and last season’s LaLiga top scorer Alexander Sørloth, Simeone remains grounded regarding title expectations. He acknowledged the need for more additions to the squad to stay competitive, particularly against reigning champions Real Madrid.
Simeone highlighted Real Madrid as the team to beat, considering their recent successes in winning the Champions League and LaLiga double last season. With the high-profile signing of France captain Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid has further strengthened their squad. Simeone recognized the challenge of competing against such a dominant team but remained focused on gradual progress and team development.
As negotiations continue for acquiring Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, Simeone emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on upcoming matches and assessing the team’s performance game by game. While Atlético’s squad remains open for further additions, the immediate priority is to prepare for the challenges ahead and improve their competitiveness in the league.
Through Simeone’s perspective, the arrival of Julián Álvarez signifies a new chapter for Atlético Madrid, with hopes of elevating the team’s performance and competitiveness in the upcoming season. As the manager remains cautiously optimistic about the team’s title prospects, he recognizes the need for continuous improvement and strategic squad enhancements to contend against formidable opponents like Real Madrid. With a blend of experienced and new talents, Atlético aims to carve a path to success under Simeone’s guidance and tactical acumen.