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Atlético Madrid still wounded by Álvarez's Barcelona push
Álex Baena reveals the squad's lingering hurt over Julián Álvarez's public bid to leave for Barcelona, though the Argentine has apologised and the group backs him.
In brief
Álex Baena reveals the squad's lingering hurt over Julián Álvarez's public bid to leave for Barcelona, though the Argentine has apologised and the group backs him. Atlético Madrid players remain hurt by Julián Álvarez's public attempt to join Barcelona, but accept his apology and support his future at the club…
Álvarez's Barcelona bid still stings
Julián Álvarez's public desire to join Barcelona during the transfer window has left Atlético Madrid's squad hurt. Álex Baena said the manner of his actions troubled the group deeply.
“No nos sentó del todo bien”
Baena explains the squad's reaction
The Atlético midfielder distinguished between wanting to join another club and how that desire is communicated. It was the way Álvarez went public that bothered the players most.
The Barcelona defeat and tifo
Atlético lost two one to Barcelona at the Metropolitano stadium on Sunday. The south stand displayed a tifo reading Mi dulce condena with a shirt between bars, a reference to Álvarez.
The forms, not the desire, upset them
Baena acknowledged any player might consider Barcelona or Real Madrid if they came calling. But Atlético players were bothered by how Álvarez expressed his wish to leave publicly.
“son las formas en las que lo hizo que nos molestó a la gente del Atleti bastante”
The World Cup sparked the saga
Álvarez expressed his desire to wear Barcelona's shirt during the World Cup. Those declarations fuelled a prolonged transfer saga that ended with him staying at Atlético Madrid.
Fans whistled him on his return
When Álvarez returned from the World Cup, Atlético supporters greeted him with whistles. The climate improved as he played and scored, but full reconciliation has not yet arrived.
The squad backed his decision
Despite their hurt, Atlético's players supported Álvarez's choice about his future. Baena said the group has always backed him and now wants to give him all their affection.
“Lo importante es que estás con nosotros y ahora darle todo el cariño del mundo para que vuelvas a ser Julián”
Álvarez apologised to the group
Álvarez took the initiative to apologise to his teammates for his actions. Baena said the striker is intelligent and knew how his conduct would land, and he asked forgiveness from all.
“al final nos pidió perdón a todos”
Baena defends Álvarez to the fans
Baena understood why Atlético supporters were angry at Álvarez's conduct. But he said the striker is working hard to reach his level and the club needs him to achieve their goals.
Álvarez struggled after Barcelona loss
After the Barcelona defeat, Álvarez had a difficult night. But Baena said he is engaged day to day, making jokes, and any player can have a bad match occasionally.
Baena criticises media coverage
After Sport newspaper headlined Baena's comments as a tremendous blow to Álvarez, the midfielder shared the story on Instagram and questioned the outlet's approach to journalism.
“Así va el periodismo en este país”
What matters most
Atlético Madrid players remain hurt by Julián Álvarez's public attempt to join Barcelona, but accept his apology and support his future at the club.
