Simeone confirms Julián Álvarez will be in squad for Bilbao — "I hope this was a good lesson for him"
Atlético coach included Álvarez for the match on September 5, 2026 and said he hopes the player has learned from recent events.
Diego Pablo Simeone confirmed that Julián Álvarez will be included in Atlético Madrid's squad for the away fixture at Athletic Bilbao on September 5, 2026, and urged the forward to respond positively after recent events.
Coach names Álvarez in squad and asks him to learn from the episode
Speaking ahead of the trip to San Mamés, Simeone said that Álvarez has trained well and that the club expects him to contribute on the pitch. "He trains very well. He will be in the squad for the match and I expect the best from him, as well as from all his teammates. I am very direct – for me, life is full of opportunities. Now Julián has the opportunity to sort his things out. Often we spend time judging and we should worry less about that and learn more. I hope this has served as a lesson for him. And to be happy, and as Futre, to whom I send hugs, said yesterday in a lovely video – to do that by scoring goals."
Simeone also addressed Atlético's position in LaLiga and the ongoing challenge posed by the country's two traditional giants. "What has been happening for 15 years will not change. Real Madrid, Barcelona and all of us the others are trying to get closer to them," he said, underlining the long-term balance of power in Spanish football.
The coach's comments come the day before Atlético travel to Bilbao, with the club aiming for a positive result as the season progresses.
Atlético's squad selection and Simeone's public backing of Álvarez close a chapter of internal debate and set the stage for the player to respond on the field on September 5, 2026.
Photo: press material from the event
