Diego Godín says Julián Álvarez’s Atlético situation is tough

Diego Godín, an Atlético de Madrid legend, spoke with RMC Sport about the situation of Julián Álvarez. The Uruguayan believes the club is dealing with a complicated moment after a summer “soap opera”, despite the fact that the forward is still at Atlético and has publicly insisted on leaving.

Like a “dagger” for supporters

Godín’s view is that the issue has dragged on for months, making it difficult to manage. He stressed that fans take it personally when the team’s “best player” says he wants to go: “For a supporter it’s like a dagger,” he said, framing the start of the season as hostile.

As Atlético approach the Madrid derby, RMC Sport reports that Álvarez could begin on the bench. The reason is physical: he missed the previous two matches for the club due to a muscle overload, and the next step is to get back into the group and into the rhythm.

Protect him, but handle the tension

Godín also highlighted the pressure on teammates and on Diego Simeone, who (in his opinion) has had to manage the situation in order to protect a young player. He compared it to 2019, when Antoine Griezmann left for Barcelona—then, too, supporters felt betrayed because it was a direct rival in the same league.

Finally, Godín argued that the club has to make sure Álvarez feels good and performs, saying that fans want him to find his best level. According to the same RMC Sport piece, Álvarez has made only one league start this season—against Liverpool—and is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign.