Simeone storms out of press conference after Julián Álvarez warm-down question

Diego Simeone walked out of his post-match press conference at San Mamés on Saturday after a reporter asked why Julián Álvarez had not joined his fellow substitutes for the customary cool-down following Atlético Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club Bilbao in La Liga.

“Are you seriously asking me that? I have nothing to say,” Simeone snapped before standing up and leaving the room — a reaction that underscored the mounting tension surrounding Álvarez’s future at the club.

The result itself was damaging enough for Atleti. Nico Williams and Robert Navarro struck in quick succession at the start of the second half to put Bilbao two goals ahead, and Oihan Sancet added a third in the 90th minute to complete a comfortable home win. Álvarez had come off the bench in the 59th minute with the visitors already two down, and his best contribution — a shot from the edge of the box — was saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner had made no secret of his desire to leave Atlético during the summer window, with Barcelona his preferred destination. Atlético refused to sell to their La Liga rivals and issued a public statement criticising Barcelona’s conduct in their pursuit of the player. Arsenal and Manchester City were also credited with serious interest, though any transfer fee would have exceeded £100 million — a valuation no club was willing to meet before the deadline passed.

Álvarez had missed Atlético’s 3-1 win over Sevilla in the days immediately before deadline day, returning to the squad for the trip to Bilbao. Simeone had struck a measured tone ahead of that game, saying: “Julián Álvarez will be in the squad tomorrow. He’s training well, and we expect the best from him, just as we do from all his team-mates.”

His decision to storm out when pressed on Álvarez’s behaviour after the final whistle suggests that patience — both his and the player’s — is wearing thin. With the transfer window now closed, Atlético and their record signing must find a way to coexist, at least until January.