Diego Simeone Addresses Injuries and Team Progress Ahead of Osasuna Clash

Diego Simeone walked into the press room with the air of a man who has heard enough. On the eve of Atlético Madrid’s home clash with Osasuna in La Liga’s sixth round, the coach did not dodge a single issue: injuries, criticism, the fixture list, even the Ballon d’Or. He tackled them all head on.

No Julian Alvarez against Osasuna

The first big question was predictable. Would Julian Alvarez be ready?

He will not.

“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,” Simeone confirmed, shutting down any hope of a surprise return.

Attention immediately turned to the other option up front, Jonathan David. Simeone made it clear the Canadian’s performance in the previous game has put him firmly in the frame.

“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 said.

No guarantees. But a clear hint: David is very much in his plans.

Under fire, but still collecting points

Outside the dressing room, the noise around Atlético has grown. Criticism of performances. Complaints about style. Questions over the project. Yet the numbers tell a calmer story: six points from nine away from home, and fifth place in La Liga with three wins, one draw and one defeat.

Simeone knows the contradiction and went straight at it.

“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, referring to the tight turnaround between games.

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.”

Used to the criticism. And, as he tells it, ready to feed off it.

A team in transition

If the outside expects an instant finished product, Simeone sees something different: a squad being rebuilt on the fly.

“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 explained.

The message was clear: this is not a plug-and-play version of Atlético. It is a work in progress.

“But 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. The one luxury top clubs rarely receive.

Call to arms for the Metropolitano

If the squad is evolving, Simeone knows one constant he can usually rely on: the stands. With Osasuna arriving in a similar situation, he called directly on the Atlético crowd.

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

A difficult previous outing, a team still gelling, and a league table that can turn quickly at this stage of the season. The coach wants the stadium loud, restless, involved.

Mourinho, penalties and a laugh

There was a lighter moment when José Mourinho’s comments surfaced. The Portuguese had expressed surprise that journalists had not pressed Simeone about penalties awarded to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.

Simeone’s response? A smile and a sidestep.

“I have nothing to say or comment on,” he replied with a laugh.

No fuel for that fire. Not this time.

No debate on the Ballon d’Or

On the Ballon d’Or, though, Simeone did not hesitate for a second.

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

No caveats. No alternatives. Just Lionel Messi.

Adapting to a strange calendar

The conversation eventually swung back to the calendar, an issue that has irritated coaches across Europe. This time, it is not fixture congestion but a long pause that has altered the rhythm.

“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,” Simeone said.

Atlético sit fifth, on 10 points, close enough to the top to feel involved, far enough away to know there is work to do. A squad under construction, a fanbase being rallied, a coach ready to absorb the blows.

Osasuna come next. The question now is whether the “team in the building phase” can turn defiance into a statement performance.