Why Simeone is standing by Julián Álvarez, according to Rubén Uría

Rubén Uría sets out his theory on Simeone's backing of Julián Álvarez: getting him back to his best is the only route left for the coach to fight for trophies this season. Uría believes the club will not sell Julián, nor sign anyone better.

After the defeat to Barcelona and a barrage of criticism aimed at Julián Álvarez, Rubén Uría offers his take on why Simeone has decided to stand by the Argentine no matter what. That was made very clear after the Barcelona match, when Simeone said: "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 will wait for him because he is a great player, and to get where we want to go we need the best Julián, otherwise we won't get there."

According to Rubén Uría, Simeone knows that if he gets Julián back to his best, he can compete with the very best for trophies. But there is a deeper reason: Simeone suspects the club will neither sell Julián nor bring in a better striker.

That is why, Uría explains, the coach sees only one path between now and the end of the season: restoring the player's confidence every time he goes for goal. If he manages it, he can win silverware; if not, it will be harder, though not impossible. It is a path, Uría acknowledges, that many people do not like.