Simeone confirms the return of Barrios and Sorloth and comments on Julián Álvarez's condition ahead of Alavés
Atletico de Madrid coach Diego Pablo Simeone reviewed the situation of several players before visiting Deportivo Alavés on matchday 8. Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth are fit and will have minutes, while Simeone said he is pleased with the condition of Julián Álvarez. The coach also warned about the toll on international players and the difficulties of the next fixture.
Atlético de Madrid
Barrios and Sorloth back and with minutes assured
Pablo Barrios6.470.000€-50.000€3
MD
Sorloth4.890.000€2
DLDiego Pablo Simeone confirmed the good news about Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth, who completed their training sessions satisfactorily during the break and will be available to face Alavés.
The coach was clear in saying that both will take part in the match, although he did not want to specify whether they will start or come on from the bench.
«Yes, they are going to play in the match. Let's hope that, in the time they get, they can give us their very best», he explained.
Simeone highlighted in particular the importance of the Norwegian forward, whom he believes is a piece capable of offering solutions the team cannot find with other attacking profiles.
«Above all, Alexander Sorloth balances us in a facet that the team doesn't have», he said.
Regarding Barrios, he spoke positively about his recovery and recalled the importance he usually has in the day-to-day functioning of the rojiblanco midfield.
Julián Álvarez, with good feelings for the matchday
Julián Álvarez8.460.000€+80.000€3
DLThe coach was also asked about Julián Álvarez, and he delivered a positive message after the international break.
«I see him well, I see him with enthusiasm, I see him committed to giving his very best, as he has always done», he said.
Simeone believes the Argentine will regain his best attacking version, noting that his performance makes important differences in Atletico's attack.
«We hope he gets back to that important line he has within the team and that takes us to a different place in attack when he's at his best», he added.
Although he did not expressly confirm that he will start, his comments reflect confidence in the forward ahead of the next commitment.
The international grind could affect the starting XI
Simeone also showed his concern about the accumulation of matches, the travel and the limited recovery time for the internationals.
The coach believes that the new format of the breaks could harm the players' physical performance, especially those who have played a lot of minutes with their national teams.
«It's not that easy», he explained when referring to players who return just a few hours before having to compete again with their clubs.
In this way, the physical condition of the internationals could influence decisions about the starting XI, although Simeone did not point to any specific player as a doubt for the match.
A demanding game against Alavés
Finally, the coach praised the work of Quique Sánchez Flores and especially highlighted the defensive strength of the Vitoria-based side.
«We're going to face a tough opponent, the least beaten team in the division», he said.
Simeone expects a tricky encounter against a well-organized Alavés, dangerous in the aerial game and with capacity to take advantage of the arrivals of their attacking players.
The coach insisted that Atletico will have to find a way to get past that defensive solidity in order to secure a positive result at Mendizorroza.
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