Julian Alvarez is back in Atletico Madrid's squad after a summer dominated by speculation over his future, with Diego Simeone stating that the Argentine must now use the disappointment of missing out on a Barcelona move as an opportunity.
Atletico travel to San Mames on Saturday to face Athletic Club, with Alvarez set to return to the squad after remaining at the Metropolitano beyond the transfer deadline.
Barcelona pushed to sign the forward during the summer, but the move never materialised.
The Argentine's desire to join Barça was not enough to convince Atletico to sanction the transfer, leaving the player to continue in Madrid.
Simeone was asked about the 26-year-old star ahead of the Athletic clash and confirmed that he will be involved.
"Julian is training very well; he will be called up tomorrow and will be part of the squad travelling to Bilbao, and we are expecting the best from him, just as we do from all his teammates."
The Atletico coach did not reveal whether Alvarez would start or come off the bench. Rather, his message was focused on how the striker should respond to the failed Barcelona move.
Simeone has sent a strong message to Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
"For me, life is full of opportunities. And this may well be the opportunity Julian has been given to sort out a whole host of issues in his life.
"We spend all our time learning and, unfortunately, we spend far too much time judging. We all judge.
"This, that and the other. We need to judge less and focus more on learning,"said the Atletico Madrid manager, as reported by SPORT .
Simeone continued by stressing that the experience can help Alvarez develop beyond the football itself.
"I think the step that Julian will surely take in his life is pure learning. And he has the opportunity for all the situations he needs to resolve within himself to make him a better person."
Simeone wants the striker to move forward rather than dwell on what happened during the transfer window.
Barcelona have not abandoned the Julian Alvarez chase. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
"For us to see him happy – that's what we want: for him to be well, content, and to score goals for us.
"That's what Futre conveyed to him yesterday in a lovely video, full of joy."
Alvarez staying at Atletico does not necessarily mean the Barcelona story is finished.
Rather, as reported before, Barcelona are already preparing for another attempt in January .
The club could have between €65 million and €70 million of financial fair play room available when the winter window opens, giving them potential room to revisit an operation that proved impossible during the summer.
That financial space could also be used elsewhere, like a centre-back reinforcement, but for now, Alvarez remains the main target.
