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The relationship between Diego Simeone and Julian Alvarez has reportedly reached breaking point as talk of a transfer to Barcelona continues to gather pace. Tension in the Spanish capital is said to be at its highest, with the Atletico Madrid manager believed to feel deeply let down by the recent conduct of his star forward.

Simeone reaches breaking point

The mood at the Metropolitano has reportedly become toxic, with claims that Simeone is “absolutely furious” with Alvarez. The Argentina striker has been strongly linked with a stunning move to Barcelona, and that possibility has reportedly left his manager feeling deserted after standing by him so firmly in public.

La Liga commentator Phil Kitromilides offered insight into the worsening situation and described the scale of the manager’s anger. Speaking to CBS Sports, Kitromilides said: “What I’m hearing is that the dressing room is very, very disappointed with him. And what I’ve been told by someone who knows the situation is that Diego Simeone can’t even look at him. Like, Diego Simeone is furious, absolutely furious with Julian Alvarez. And rightly so.”

A betrayal of trust

The frustration inside the Atletico camp reportedly comes from the unwavering backing Simeone gave Alvarez during difficult periods. Even though the striker went through a four-month goal drought last season, Simeone remained his strongest public supporter. The coach saw the former Manchester City player as the centrepiece of his long-term project in Madrid, which has made the current transfer push especially hard for the coaching staff to accept.

Kitromilides further explained why Simeone feels so aggrieved, pointing to the protection Alvarez received during his struggles. He added: “This is his guy, this is someone who he defended publicly, consistently, last season, when Alvarez went nearly four months without scoring. He was never questioned by Simeone, never a bad word from Simeone, constantly backed and supported 100 per cent. This is their most important player, their franchise player. The whole project is built around Julian Alvarez.”

Barcelona interest and alternatives

Although Alvarez missed training sessions last week, which only increased speculation over a possible exit, he did return to training with his team-mates on Sunday. Even so, despite the player’s apparent wish to move to Camp Nou, Atletico Madrid are continuing to hold a firm line.

Barcelona are still understood to be strong admirers of the Argentina international, but the club’s hierarchy reportedly accepts just how difficult it would be to complete such a deal in the current window. As a result, the Catalan side have shifted their focus to other attacking options. Reports indicate that Barca are now moving closer to an agreement for Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal as a more realistic alternative to the unsettled Atleti forward.

Uncertain future in Madrid

In spite of the internal strain, Alvarez is still expected to be part of the squad for Atletico’s upcoming match. The club are keen to reintegrate the forward, even with Barcelona’s interest continuing to cast a long shadow.

Club officials are trying to present an image of normality despite the tension beneath the surface. On the player’s recent absence and possible return, the club’s position remains hopeful that he will refocus on his professional responsibilities. Mateu Alemany recently said: “The plan is very clear. We hope he’ll be back in the team quickly and available for the next LaLiga match.”