Simeone: We need the best version of Alvarez, proud of what the players delivered

Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético, expressed his sadness at the loss to FC Barcelona by a score of 2-1 at the Metropolitano Stadium, in the 12th round of LaLiga. He confirmed his satisfaction with his players' performance despite the result and emphasized the importance of Julián Alvarez and the team's need to regain its best form.

Simeone said: "I keep in my mind the exceptional match that the players delivered, and I have nothing to blame them for. We pushed the opposing team into situations where they did not feel comfortable. We were not as decisive as we have been in other matches, while the opponent had great confidence and was able to take advantage of the opportunities that came their way. I am proud of the players; I liked their performance, and I am very happy with everyone's work."

Regarding the fairness of the result, he explained: "Yes, it is fair because they scored two goals, while we scored one goal."

Regarding the team's physical condition, he added: "I don't know if it's related to the physical aspect, but it might relate to the ability of some players who came off the bench to enter the match better or worse. The match overall went in the direction we wanted it to go, and we had chances for Bayna and Sørloth, while they didn't have many opportunities, despite their ball possession. However, I feel satisfied with the team, and I realize we are still in a building phase, and there are things we need to improve and players who need to continue developing."

Regarding the changes he made during the match, he said: "The coach always wants the players who come off the bench to perform exceptionally well; sometimes the match or the opponent does not allow that, but I hold on to their desire to perform well, against a big opponent. Matches go through different phases; we had 50 good minutes, and that was our period, then came the phase of the opponent who was more decisive than us."

Atlético Madrid's coach spoke about Julián Alvarez's performance, saying: "He had an important match, participated in three chances, along with the assist he provided for Julián's goal. In the second half, he had a chance where he tried to chip the goalkeeper, and he also sent a cross to Payna. What more can we ask of him? We all hoped he would score that goal, but we will wait for him, as we need him. We wanted to reach the place we aspire to, and we need him; otherwise, we won't get there."

When asked if Julián Alvarez is suffering from a lack of confidence, he replied: "I can't know what's going on inside him, but he has our trust, he is an exceptional player, we love him a lot and we need him, we need the best version of Julián, and we will work with him for that. Out of the five good chances the team had, he was involved in three or four of them; he was missing the goal that would have put him in a different position, but it will come."