Simeone Confirms Julian Alvarez Not Ready to Start Against Liverpool at Anfield

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone held a significant press conference ahead of the Champions League league phase opener between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield. The Argentine coach confirmed that striker Julian Alvarez is not ready to start and praised Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Simeone appeared in Tuesday's press conference and spent much of his time discussing the pressure of the big match, football's unpredictability and Atletico's squad situation. When asked about Atletico's chances of imposing their style and seizing control against Liverpool, Simeone gave a pragmatic answer. He said: “I can imagine many scenarios for the match, but reality is only what we will see on the green rectangle. We as coaches imagine attacking, reaching the box and scoring goals, but when the whistle blows unexpected things happen that were not in our imagination.” Simeone was asked how Liverpool have changed under new coach Andoni Iraola. The English club have shown clear signs of transformation since Iraola took charge, but Simeone refused to overestimate the opponent. He said: “I see that their coach is trying to apply the philosophy he presented with his previous teams; he works on the tactical details for everyone and involves all the players. Reaching the ideal style takes time, but the team is developing and possesses elements of high quality. He is a great coach with a clear vision that will reach the players so they reflect the style of football he believes in.” One of the most important questions was whether Simeone would use one of Atletico's traditional centre-forwards from the start. He confirmed that Julian Alvarez is not ready to start. This is notable because Alvarez was expected to be a key figure this season after his high-profile move from Manchester City. Simeone said: “Jonathan arrived recently and was not able to take part in the last match due to a certain problem, while Julian is still in the development stage and I do not see him as ready to start in the line-up yet, but he will certainly help us as the match's minutes progress.” This shows Simeone is cautious about using Alvarez. Although the Argentine forward displayed his class at Manchester City, adapting to Atletico's tactical system takes time. Simeone is known for not giving starting spots based on reputation alone. He demands tactical discipline and defensive work from the front, which a newly arrived player such as Alvarez may not yet have fully shown. Atletico Madrid are undergoing a significant squad transition. Besides Alvarez, the club have other new signings such as David, who arrived late in the transfer window. Several players have also returned late from international duty, affecting the team's preparation. Simeone acknowledged this when discussing the team's readiness for the Champions League. “The final reaching our stadium is extremely important for the club, and we must work very hard to aspire to reach that prestigious status. We are currently in a building and adaptation phase, given the presence of new players, Julian's situation, and David joining late in the transfer window, as well as those who are late from international duty whom no one cares about.. but we will regain our rhythm step by step.” Simeone also responded graciously when told Iraola said Simeone held an edge in experience. He did not agree and praised his younger counterpart. He said: “When you take charge of a new team you have enormous enthusiasm that you transmit to your players, and in this aspect specifically Iraola has the superiority over me.” This response is typical of Simeone's experience. He understands that experience is not the only decisive factor. Iraola's enthusiasm and desire to prove himself can create a big boost for Liverpool during the early phase of his reign. Simeone also seemed eager to lower his own advantage to create psychological pressure on the opponent. When asked to compare the two teams' styles, Simeone was cautious. He avoided falling into academic debates about football philosophy, instead stressing the practical side: “I do not know how we can define the styles specifically, nor how we determine the concepts of attack and defence; you may have possession without shooting, or shoot three times and win.. there are clubs with a fierce attacking tendency like Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid gives this impression too.” This reflects Simeone's pragmatic thinking. For him, the result is the ultimate measure, not possession or shot count. Liverpool under Iraola will certainly try to dominate in front of their home crowd, but Atletico are not a side that can be easily drawn into an opponent's game. Simeone is ready to concede territory and wait for the right moment to strike. A match at Anfield always carries an intense atmosphere, and that is a real challenge for Atletico. Simeone has experience of bringing Atletico to big games at Anfield, where the Spanish club once surprised Liverpool in the 2026/20 season. That memory still has value, but Simeone knows every match has its own circumstances. Atletico's biggest problem right now is the lack of cohesion between new signings and established players. Julian Alvarez cannot start yet, David has not had much time to train with the team, and some players have returned from international duty below their best condition. Simeone will have to adapt with what he has, which is where his experience comes into play. Liverpool, by contrast, are enjoying a relatively smooth start under Iraola. High pressing, quick ball circulation and using fast wingers are trademarks Iraola built at his previous clubs. However, Simeone argued that Liverpool are still developing and need time to improve. This means Atletico can exploit spaces during Liverpool's transitional moments. Atletico also have dangerous weapons. Even if Julian Alvarez is not starting, his presence on the bench is an important attacking option. If the match remains tight, Simeone can bring Alvarez on to make a difference with his clever movement and varied finishing. This is why he said Alvarez will help as the game progresses. Besides that, Atletico have the advantage of Champions League experience. Under Simeone, the club have gone deep in the competition several times, including two final appearances. Even though they have not won the title, Atletico are always an unpleasant opponent for any major club. Simeone knows how to organise his team to neutralise the opponent's strengths, and this Anfield match will be a major test of that ability. For Liverpool, Iraola will have his first opportunity to prove he can manage a big club in Europe. A victory over Atletico would be a strong statement and would boost confidence in his philosophy. But Iraola also understands that Atletico are never easy to face because they are willing to sacrifice style for results. The match promises to be intense, with strong tackles and sharp tactical battles. Simeone may choose a cautious approach, ceding the initiative to Liverpool and waiting for the opponent's mistakes. Conversely, Iraola could instruct Liverpool to push high from the start to put pressure on Atletico's defence. The tactical duel between the two coaches will be decisive. Simeone has sent a clear message that Atletico are not in perfect condition but always know how to fight. That could be a warning for Liverpool, because in Champions League history, teams led by Simeone have always been dangerous. The match at Anfield will not only be about technical quality but also about character and the ability to handle pressure. Atletico fans hope for a positive result, even though they understand the team are going through a transition. Julian Alvarez has not shown much yet this season, but his talent is unquestionable. Simeone's patient approach suggests he has a long-term plan for Alvarez. Tomorrow night, everything will be answered. Can Atletico leave Anfield with a good result, or will Liverpool prove their power under Iraola? Simeone is mentally prepared for any scenario, because he knows football always hides surprises. With his caution and experience, he hopes to guide Atletico through the first Champions League challenge of the season.