Diego Simeone abruptly ended his post-match news conference after being asked about Julian Alvarez following Atletico de Madrid’s 3-0 LaLiga defeat by Athletic Club.
The Atletico boss had been questioned again about the future of the Argentina striker, whose position at the club has been the subject of continuing speculation. Simeone responded sharply before standing up and leaving the media briefing.
“Are you seriously asking me that? I have nothing to say,” Simeone stated before standing up and leaving his post match press conference.
The exchange came after Alvarez was introduced for the final half-hour in Bilbao, with Atletico already facing a difficult task after two quick-fire goals at the beginning of the second half had effectively settled the contest.
Simeone had recently brought Alvarez back into his squad plans after Atletico maintained a firm position that the forward would remain at the club for the 2026/27 season. The club also rejected his attempts to join Barcelona.
The situation had appeared to be settled, at least until next summer, but Simeone’s reaction to the latest questions indicated that he wants the issue regarded as closed.
Alvarez’s introduction could not change the outcome for Atletico, who suffered their first defeat of the season in the Basque Country. The result came shortly before their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, an away match against Liverpool on 9 September.
Simeone’s decision to use Alvarez from the bench followed a difficult night for Atletico, who were unable to recover after Athletic Club struck twice in quick succession after half-time. The forward was given the final 30 minutes, but the visitors could not reduce the deficit.
The defeat has also placed renewed focus on the questions surrounding Alvarez, despite Atletico’s stated intention to retain him for the coming campaign. Simeone’s comments made clear that he did not want to discuss the matter further immediately after the match.
Atletico now turn their attention to their European opener at Liverpool, while the club’s position on Alvarez remains unchanged. The striker is expected to stay with Atletico de Madrid for the 2026/27 season after the club rejected the possibility of a move to Barcelona.
For Simeone, however, the subject was clearly unwelcome in the aftermath of a first loss of the campaign. His brief response, followed by his departure from the press conference, brought the latest round of questions about Alvarez’s future to an abrupt end.