Julián Álvarez reported for training with Atlético de Madrid under manager Diego Pablo Simeone, putting to rest any speculation of a rebellion or contract dispute. According to local reporting, the Argentine forward participated fully in the morning session alongside fellow World Cup participants, showing no indication of a holdout or a demanded pre-training meeting.
Morning Session Breakdown Under Simeone
The training session kicked off at 9:00 a.m. local time, drawing an unusually large press contingent to the club’s facilities. According to reports from Faro de Vigo, Simeone divided the squad into distinct physical training groups. Álvarez initially joined a group that featured Koke, Thomas Lemar, Alejandro Grimaldo, Álex Baena, Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, and Marc Pubill. Simeone closely monitored this cohort before shifting his focus to the rest of the squad.
In an adjacent pitch, the remainder of the traveling party—who returned Monday from a pre-season tour of South Korea—worked in two separate groups. The sole absence from the group sessions was Alexander Sørloth, who is sidelined with a muscular issue and will miss the team’s opening fixture of the La Liga campaign.
Tactical Drills and Pre-Season Preparation
Following the physical conditioning phase, the squad split into opposing sides for a practice match designed to prepare for an upcoming Friday friendly against Olympique de Marsella. Simeone deployed a defensive unit featuring 16-year-old Ramón Domínguez—who has started every pre-season match—alongside Robin Le Normand, Dávid Hancko, and Grimaldo. Pablo Barrios and Koke anchored the midfield, while the attack featured Kang-in Lee, Arnaut Danjuma, and Ademola Lookman, with Álvarez initially named among the substitutes.
The second side, configured for players with fewer pre-season minutes, lined up with Llorente, Pubill, José María Giménez, and Dani Martínez across the backline. Morten Hjulmand and Johnny Cardoso operated in holding roles, supporting a forward line of Baena, Lemar, and Álvarez.
Squad Status and Franchise Expectations
Media reports emphasized that the session proceeded entirely without incident, with Simeone treating Álvarez like any other member of the squad. The technical staff views the Argentine international as a cornerstone player for the team’s immediate future, particularly following the departure of Antoine Griezmann to Major League Soccer.
Atlético de Madrid returns to action on Friday in a friendly fixture against Olympique de Marsella before turning its attention toward the upcoming domestic league schedule.
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