Throughout the transfer saga, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone consistently backed Julian Alvarez, describing him as one of the club's best offensive players and stressing his importance to future plans. Despite public support, Alvarez faced a difficult return, missing the opener against Malaga and enduring boos from fans during the Villarreal match. After the game, he walked alone down the tunnel, a decision Simeone clarified was the club's, not the player's.

Alvarez then missed three training sessions due to illness and was ruled out of the Sevilla trip, where Alex Baena stepped in with two goals in a 3-1 win. Simeone reiterated his support, calling Alvarez an extraordinary player and promising to help him regain form. The forward returned to full training on Sunday, putting him back in contention for selection.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho weighed in, emphasizing Simeone's unique bond with both player and club. He warned that by 1 September, when the window closes, any dissatisfied player must be content or face limited action until January. The bigger hurdle for Alvarez now is winning back the trust of Atletico supporters, many of whom feel betrayed by his apparent desire to leave for Barcelona. The club paid a record £81.5 million for him in 2024.