Atletico Madrid coach plans to include Barcelona top target in league opener against Malaga

Atletico Madrid coach plans to include Barcelona top target in league opener against Malaga While Julian Alvarez might have hoped for something different, it appears the player has no choice but to return to training at Atletico Madrid on August 10. The Argentine has made no secret of his desire to leave the club and complete a move to Barcelona, but Atletico have stood firm throughout, refusing to even entertain a sale. And now, it seems Diego Simeone is already planning for the season ahead with Alvarez firmly in his thoughts. Simeone counting on Alvarez against Malaga Alvarez’s hopes of a summer move is fading. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) According to Diario AS , Simeone is counting on Alvarez being available for Atletico’s league opener against Malaga on August 19 at the Metropolitano. The Atletico coach knows how vital it is to start the campaign strongly and wants the ‘Spider’ in peak condition for the clash. With that in mind, Simeone is already scheduling the striker’s training sessions to ensure he is ready. Alvarez is due to return to training on Monday, linking up with the other players who did not travel to Atletico’s fixture in Seoul. That leaves him just over a week to build up his fitness before the Malaga game, and Simeone wants him to make the most of every session. Atletico refuse to budge Barcelona have their hands tied in the Alvarez pursuit. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The report reiterates that Atletico’s stance has not shifted one bit since the saga began. The club have repeatedly insisted Alvarez will not be sold to Barcelona, nor to Real Madrid, who quickly withdrew from any interest. Atletico even filed a complaint against Barcelona over the matter, and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has been unequivocal in stating that no offer will be accepted. From Atletico’s perspective, backing down now would represent a betrayal of everything they have built. The club also believe Alvarez has been poorly advised and led astray by his agents. Alvarez, for his part, is expected to hold a meeting with Simeone regarding his future sometime next week. Atletico are well aware there are few players of the Argentine’s quality, and they have no intention of letting him go.