Diego Simeone shuts down critics over son Giuliano as Atletico Madrid look to stop the rot at Real Sociedad

Giuliano has featured in every match for Atletico this season, registering three starts in La Liga alongside an opening-day Champions League appearance against Liverpool. The young winger’s sole substitute appearance came during the 2-0 league victory over Malaga on the opening weekend on August 19. Despite his regular minutes attracting fierce scrutiny and accusations of favouritism from supporters, the manager has firmly refused to get drawn into the debate.