Atletico Madrid's leadership has thrown its full weight behind striker Julian Alvarez, offering him strong public backing ahead of a high-stakes derby clash. The team faces arch-rivals Real Madrid on Thursday in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Leadership Voices Unite in Support
Despite a noticeable dip in form, both manager Diego Simeone and club captain Koke have made clear their faith in the Argentine forward. Alvarez, a crucial figure for the Rojiblancos since his big-money move, has found the net only twice in his last ten appearances across all competitions. The timing is critical, with a place in Sunday's final on the line against their city rivals.
Speaking at a pre-match news conference, captain Koke addressed Alvarez's situation directly. "The big players all demand a lot from themselves," Koke stated. "Obviously we don't have to demand a lot only from Julian but from all of us, to achieve the objectives that we want." He expressed confidence that Alvarez would rise to the occasion, reminding everyone of the player's stellar performance in a 5-2 league victory over Real Madrid last September, where Alvarez scored twice.
A Record Signing Seeking Spark
Julian Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in August 2024 from Manchester City for an initial fee of 75 million euros (approximately $88 million). The 25-year-old's overall season statistics show 11 goals in 24 matches, with seven of those coming in La Liga. His contributions have been vital for Atletico, who currently sit fourth in the domestic league, seven points behind second-placed Real Madrid.
Manager Diego Simeone, who earlier this season labeled Alvarez as the squad's most important player, reiterated his belief in the striker's quality. "Julian has showed the player that he is," Simeone said, "but sometimes words aren't enough, only deeds will do, and we hope tomorrow he has a great game." This call to action underscores the expectation for Alvarez to translate his undeniable talent into decisive moments on the pitch.
All Eyes on Jeddah Showdown
The stage is now set for a dramatic encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium. The public support from the club's hierarchy places a spotlight on Alvarez, challenging him to rediscover his scoring touch in one of football's most intense rivalries. For Atletico Madrid, success in this tournament hinges on key players delivering under pressure, and the team's leadership has made it clear they believe Julian Alvarez is primed to do exactly that.
