Diego Simeone on Atletico Madrid's Challenges and Squad Construction

Diego Simeone walked into the press room on Tuesday with the familiar mix of defiance and fatigue. On the eve of a demanding La Liga clash against Osasuna, the Atletico Madrid coach knew exactly what awaited him: questions about injuries, selection, the calendar – and the criticism that never seems to quieten around his team.

Alvarez ruled out, David in the frame

The first issue was unavoidable. Would Julian Alvarez make it in time?

Simeone cut it short. The striker, he confirmed, is not ready.

“Based on what we discussed with the medical staff, he is still in the recovery phase, and he will not be available for tomorrow's match,” he said, as relayed by Marca. No drama, no mystery. Just a key attacking option off the table.

Attention then turned to Jonathan David, who impressed in Atletico’s previous outing. Simeone didn’t hide his satisfaction with the Canadian’s impact, but he refused to reveal his hand.

“Jonathan came into the last match very well, and we will assess whether he will start or come on in the second half, and we will make that decision tomorrow morning,” he explained.

The message was clear: the hierarchy up front is still being shaped, and David has put himself firmly in the conversation.

Under fire, but still competing

Away from the touchline, the noise around Atletico has been loud. Criticism of performances, questions about style, doubts about the project. All this despite a solid start on the road: six points from a possible nine away from home.

Simeone was asked about that contradiction – the negativity versus the results. He didn’t back away.

“At first, I was not talking about the fixtures but about the rest period. We returned late from San Sebastian and from the Champions League, and that is natural,” he said.

Then came the sharper edge.

“We have become used to the negativity coming from some, so as soon as any opportunity for criticism appears we find it present, but this is part of the development, and so we welcome it.”

Atletico sit fifth in La Liga with 10 points from five matches – three wins, one draw, one defeat. Not spectacular, not disastrous. For Simeone, it is the context that matters.

A team under construction

The Argentine coach stressed again that this version of Atletico is still being assembled.

“We are a team under construction. 7 players left and 5 new players joined, in addition to several elements from the academy, and the matter is not as simple as it appears,” he said.

He wasn’t asking for sympathy, but he was demanding realism.

“We are a competitive team and we will continue to improve as we play matches. That is what I feel, we are in the building phase and we need the time that the world of football does not give you.”

Time is a luxury top clubs rarely enjoy. Simeone knows that better than anyone. Yet he continues to lean into the challenge, not away from it.

Call to arms at the Metropolitano

With Osasuna visiting, Simeone turned his attention to the stands. The connection between team and supporters has always been a central pillar of his Atletico, and he knows how fragile that bond can become when doubts creep in.

“What we need is to put in a strong match against an opponent going through the same need as us,” he said.

“We need the energy of the fans and for the players to translate that on the pitch, as we are coming from a difficult match and we hope to find the same usual enthusiastic atmosphere.”

The appeal was direct: park the criticism for 90 minutes, turn the Metropolitano into a furnace again, and let the rebuilding happen at full volume.

Mourinho, penalties and a knowing smile

There was a lighter moment when Jose Mourinho’s recent comments surfaced. The Portuguese coach had expressed surprise that journalists had not grilled him over the penalties given to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Simeone’s response? A laugh, and a short, sharp line.

“I have nothing to say or comment on.”

No fuel for that fire.

No doubts over the Ballon d'Or

On the Ballon d'Or, Simeone needed no time to think.

“Messi, without the slightest doubt. After the World Cup he delivered and at this age? Messi without the slightest doubt.”

No caveats, no alternatives. For him, the debate is closed.

Adapting to a strange calendar

The conversation ended where so many modern football discussions do: the calendar. Long breaks, congested runs, disrupted rhythms. This time, Simeone faces an unusual three-week stoppage.

“Stopping for three weeks is something new, but we try to adapt to everything. The players have the complete desire, and this is part of the game, and we are in the place we chose to be in,” he said.

Atletico go into the Osasuna match in the chasing pack, not leading it, but close enough to matter. A squad in flux, a coach under constant scrutiny, a fanbase asked once again to believe.

The question now is simple: will this “team under construction” turn those foundations into a serious title push, or will the criticism that Simeone has grown so used to become the soundtrack of their season?