Simeone confirms interest in ’fantastic’ Alvarez as Atlético top Oviedo

Speaking after a last-gasp win over La Liga strugglers Real Oviedo, coach Diego Simeone was keen to praise Atlético Madrid matchwinner Julián Alvarez.

“A goal is always an incentive for strikers,” the coach said. “He’s a very important player, recognised worldwide, wanted by lots of teams, but we have him and hopefully he can give us everything he’s got, because he’s a fantastic footballer.”

Diego Simeone on how this goal might affect Julián Álvarez

“Firstly, it’s very good for the team. Because in the second half we improved on what we did in the first. We controlled the game more, played more in the opposition’s half, had a goal disallowed by a whisker (despite) Baena’s fine finish and Griezmann’s great pass. Without a doubt, Julián’s goal makes me happy for him too. Winning 1-0 with a goal from a striker, whether it’s Sørloth, Griezmann, Lookman or Julián, is different for them and it makes me very happy.”

Simeone on Johnny Cardoso’s possible injury

“The doctor told me he was touching his hamstring and we’re not in a position to ask too many questions. We’re in a position to take care of him and play. I told him that the doctor had seen him touch his hamstring and he told me he could continue playing. I hope it was just a (twinge) he had.”

Simeone on the importance of the win

“Villarreal lost, and it was important to close in on the teams above us. We were looking for consistency in La Liga in order to compete. We had put in a lot of effort, so we had to manage the game with fresh players who could give us something for the whole 90 minutes, not just at the start. We had a goal disallowed (from Baena) and then that great goal.”

Simeone on Real Oviedo

“I saw a competitive team. Since the arrival of their manager (Guillermo Almada), they have changed their pace and aggressiveness in the opposition’s half. Their play in the box and dangerous situations in the opposition’s half show greater intensity, and today they came close to winning and could have done so in the first half. In the second half, we played well.”

Simeone on Julio Díaz’s debut

“I’m very happy for Julio. He’s been working very well, and he’s also important for Fernando Torres and the lads who have been working in the Madrileño. Because they’re lads who are ready for the First Division, and you can see that the work they’ve been doing is very good. He played with personality, without fear, he took risks, he pushed hard in that last play so that it wouldn’t go out, and the goal came. He’s already shown this and now he’ll have to keep it up, which is always the hardest part.”

Simeone on the result

“We scored an important goal in a difficult match against a team that really needed the points. We went from strength to strength. We had a good second half and scored a nice goal, which will do Julián and the team a lot of good.”

Simeone on Julio Díaz’s involvement in the build-up to the goal

“Not only in that move, he had a good game. He had no difficulties in defence, he worked well and contributed to the team’s progress, he had the personality to attack, he wasn’t afraid. You could see from his body language that he was playing with the feeling that the lads have when they get their chance. I’m happy for him. It’s great work by Fernando and everyone who works with the reserve team, who have been doing very well.”

Simeone on whether he watched Barça’s match against Villarreal

“No.”

Simeone on preparing for Tuesday’s match

“We’re not thinking about that right now, we’re trying to enjoy this match we’ve just finished. We’ll talk on Monday.”

Simeone on Griezmann

“The enthusiasm with which he played, the determination he showed in the second half, being important in the team’s play, that’s what we need from him. He knows what we’ve talked about, I’ve already said it, that it’s always about what’s best for the club, for him and for the team.”