Julian Alvarez behaviour after failed Arsenal transfer speaks volumes
Julian Alvarez is staying at Atletico Madrid until at least the start of next year(Image: Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez is reportedly showing a different attitude in Atletico Madrid training compared to a few weeks ago.
Alvarez, 26, missed three consecutive training sessions while citing illness a fortnight ago and did not travel for their third La Liga match against Sevilla, which they won 3-1. However, he returned last week and came on as a substitute in the second half of their 3-0 loss to Athletic Club, impressing more than in his previous appearance this season.
That is now said to have translated into training. It comes after a late transfer to Arsenal or Barcelona did not happen.
He is described as "a new Julian Alvarez" by AS. The Madrid-based sports newspaper shared details about what happened during Monday's training session.
After not starting Saturday's match, he took part in what is described as an intense session alongside his fellow substitutes and those who did not feature. They are said to have played a match in which the players focused on ball circulation, pressure, and 'stealing'.
Alvarez apparently scored during the game, then put in extra work with one of the club's physical trainers. He was said to be running to build up his fitness while the rest were stretching.
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It comes after claims that Alvarez did not warm down after their match on Saturday. Asked afterwards, Diego Simeone said: "Are you really asking this question? I have nothing to say."
Atletico's head coach spoke at length about the Argentina international during his pre-match press conference before Saturday's game. Simeone confirmed: "Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow. He's training well, and we expect the best from him, just as we do from all his team-mates.
"For me, life is full of opportunities, and Julian now has an opportunity. A lot of the time, we spend our lives judging.
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"We need to worry less about that and learn more. I hope this has served as a learning experience for him. I hope he's happy and, as [Paulo] Futre [Atletico Madrid's director of football] told him yesterday in a lovely video... that he shows it by scoring goals."
Alvarez is set to be in their squad again for their Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. However, his involvement will likely only be as a substitute.
The striker is still building up his fitness, as evidenced during training. Albeit, he made an impact off the bench last weekend.
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