Diego Simeone praised Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid's 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna, with Alvarez issuing a public apology to Atletico Madrid supporters. Alvarez used a post-match interview to address friction caused by his previous comments regarding a potential move to Barcelona.
Simeone welcomes the apology
Simeone said: "I value very much the moment of asking for forgiveness because it is not easy. Julian is a humble, hard-working boy who loves his teammates, and I appreciate his apology because it positions him in the place that he is. I am not here to judge whether it was right or wrong. Life develops and I appreciate this. It is welcome."
Simeone on Alvarez's display
Simeone said: "He had a fantastic game, the fans celebrated his goal like they do a team goal, and Julián played brilliantly, just like the other day in the Champions League. We need Julián in this form."
Simeone also said: "I am very happy with the result and thank God Julian was like he was in Stuttgart to give us three points today."
GOAL reported that Alvarez's goal against Deportivo La Coruna led to a standing ovation from large sections of the Metropolitano crowd. GOAL reported that the win moved Atletico Madrid within two points of league leaders Barcelona.
Background to the tension
GOAL reported that tension with Atletico Madrid supporters originated during the 2026 World Cup, when Alvarez said he wanted to fulfil his dream of playing for Barcelona. GOAL reported that Alvarez had been whistled by Atletico Madrid supporters during early home fixtures this season.
Simeone on the match
Simeone said: "It was a hard and difficult game, it cost us to recover and we did not play the game we imagined. We were not comfortable."
Simeone said: "We changed things and the changes gave us more energy, we generated goal situations. We entered the path of the game that does not end up closing with the 1-0. That's why Sorloth came on. But by not scoring we entered the panic that these results always lead to."
GOAL reported that Alvarez had one assist and two goals across his last three appearances.