Atlético Madrid captain Koke has urged the media to stop fixating on Julián Álvarez's future and allow the Argentine forward to focus on his football, speaking after his side's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

The Atlético Madrid skipper was direct in his message, calling on reporters to leave Álvarez alone so he can "play, enjoy himself, and do his job." The summer transfer speculation that surrounded Álvarez has clearly taken a toll on those inside the club, and Koke made no effort to conceal his frustration.

Atlético Madrid fell 2-1 to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, a result that will have stung the Spanish side. Yet even in the aftermath of that defeat, Koke's thoughts turned to protecting his teammate from external noise rather than dwelling solely on the result.

The message from the Atlético Madrid captain is clear — Álvarez deserves the space to settle and perform without the constant scrutiny of transfer rumours clouding his season.