Simeone backs Julián Álvarez: 'We need the best Julián to get there'

Asked about Julián Álvarez's missed chances and the whistles from part of the crowd, Simeone closes ranks: the striker was involved in everything and Atlético need him at his best.

Diego Pablo Simeone refused to criticise his players, pointed out that the team need Julián Álvarez and repeated that games of this kind are usually decided by ruthlessness in front of goal. "I'll take away an extraordinary performance from the players, nothing to complain about. We played the game we wanted, we created chances. It's true we lacked that cutting edge and they had it, even though they created fewer chances. As for the match, I'm proud of the players and very happy with all of them," said Simeone. A fair result? "Yes, they scored two goals and we scored one," he said.

He was also asked about Julián Álvarez at the press conference. His answer was one of total protection for the player, for whom things did not go his way. "He played an important game, he was involved in three situations beyond the assist for Giuliano. And the cross to Baena was his too. We all wanted that goal, but we're going to wait for him because he's a great player, and to get where we want to go we need the best Julián; otherwise we won't get there," said Simeone.

When asked whether Julián was affected by the situation, Simeone declined to go into it. "I'm not inside his head. He has our full confidence," he replied.