Koke urges media to leave Julián Álvarez alone after Liverpool loss
Atlético Madrid captain Koke has called for Julián Álvarez to be left alone after the Argentine set up Marcos Llorente in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at Liverpool.
Álvarez played his first full match of the season at Anfield and made an early statement, creating Llorente’s opening goal. Liverpool recovered through Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, but Atlético’s post-match discussion centred on their forward’s difficult summer rather than the result.
The 25-year-old had pushed for a move to Barcelona during the transfer window, only for Atlético to block the transfer. The episode caused frustration among sections of the club’s support, with Álvarez’s future repeatedly becoming a major talking point.
Koke wants that scrutiny to stop now that the window has closed. “We’re fed up with it,” the midfielder said after the match. “We need to let the lad enjoy himself, let him work and play football. Everyone has to leave him in peace. It has been a very tiring summer because of the media. Hopefully he can now just get on with his job.”
Llorente, whose goal came from Álvarez’s pass, also backed his teammate and insisted the squad remains fully behind him.
“He is hugely important for us,” Llorente said. “He gave me a fantastic assist, which is what we need. We need him fit, sharp and ready because he had spent a long time without playing competitively.
“He was good, he worked, he ran. That is what the team needs. We are with Julián. He is our player and our teammate. He matters, and he can make the difference.”
What happens next
Atlético return to La Liga action against Real Sociedad as they look to respond to the Anfield setback. They are sixth in the table after two wins, one draw and one defeat.
Álvarez will now aim to keep his place in Diego Simeone’s starting side and begin repairing his connection with the Atlético fans after a turbulent transfer window.
