Atletico Madrid's turbulent summer finally reflected with their performance on the pitch as they lost to Athletic Club in La Liga.
Versatile star Marcos Llorente did not hold back in his disappointment, as he pointed out the need for wantaway striker Julian Alvarez's goals this term.
Los Colchoneros suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at San Mames against the Basque outfit, ending their undefeated start to the season.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Llorente emphasized "He knows it" when discussing the importance of the Argentina international, pointing out that the team must support him to get back to his best.
What Did Llorente Say About Julian Alvarez?
Marcos Llorente spoke with ESPN after the disappointing game, and he was asked about the striker.
He admitted that Alvarez is a very important player for the team and is not in any doubts of his own status. He backed the 26-year-old to gradually regain his best form, pointing out that his goals are needed in the team.
"He [Julián] is a very important player for us. He knows it.
He'll come in little by little, and the sooner the better, because we need his goals. We have to support him so he's at 100% soon," he said.
Alvarez started the game, their first since the transfer window, on the bench before his introduction in the 59th minute with the scores already at 2-0.
| Julian Alvarez vs Athletic Club | Statistic |
| Minutes played | 31 |
| Touches | 30 |
| Passes completed | 16/16 (100%) |
| Dribbles completed | 4/7 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 4/8 (50%) |
He completed four dribbles after his introduction, the joint-most of any player on either side, and registered a shot on target.
San Mames Nightmare: How Athletic Club Punished Atleti's Profligacy
Atletico Madrid faced Athletic Club hoping for a bit of respite in the fixture due to their recent poor performances at San Mames.
There was to be no difference this time around, as Diego Simeone's side were soundly beaten by their Basque opposition.
They had the chances in the first half but failed to do much with them, testing Unai Simon just once despite attempting nine shots.
They had the possession and territory in the opening period, as well, but all of Ademola Lookman, Giuliano Simeone, Alex Baena, and Pablo Barrios were guilty of missing presentable chances during the game.
Their profligacy was clinically dealt with in the second half, as the home side took the lead seconds into the second half.
With Atleti still reeling from the blow, they delivered another one just two minutes later before adding gloss to the scoreline on the stroke of full-time.
Simeone's side has now lost six of their last nine visits to San Mames, winning just twice at the stadium since 2017.
They have also failed to win away from home against Basque sides in any of their last six attempts.
Goals,Goals, Goals: Why Atletico Madrid Needs Julian Alvarez Back Firing
Los Colchoneros stood their ground and refused to sell, and have been left with a sulking striker who wishes to be elsewhere.
With the transfer window now closed, both the player and his club can now look to put the saga firmly behind them and work towards a successful season.
Diego Simeone issued a cry for goals in his squad earlier this summer, admitting to public knowledge about Alvarez's role.
The Argentina international is by far the most clinical player on Atletico Madrid's roster, and his presence and form automatically elevates the quality of their attack.
With Alexander Sorloth out injured, Antoine Griezmann gone and Jonathan David having just joined the club, Alvarez's significance becomes even more pronounced.
