Laporta: Atlético blocked Álvarez deal to save face
- Source
- Mundo DeportivoLocal press
- By
- EFE EFE
- Published
Key points
- Barcelona president says Atlético Madrid refused to sell Julián Álvarez because they had no replacement lined up
- Laporta claims Atlético would sell to any club except Barcelona, accusing them of acting offended without justification
- Barcelona boss Hansi Flick satisfied with squad depth and upcoming international break will not hinder title push
Summary
Joan Laporta has given his account of why Atlético Madrid blocked Barcelona's pursuit of Julián Álvarez, claiming the Madrid club "acted offended" because they could not justify their refusal. Laporta said Atlético's director general Miguel Ángel Gil Marín explained they had no replacement lined up, but later revealed they would sell to any club bar Barcelona.
With the matter now closed, Laporta expressed confidence in the squad, saying Hansi Flick has two or three players per position and is happy with what he has. He also criticised the upcoming international break, which will see some nations play four matches.
Original headline
Laporta desvela por qué el Atlético frenó el fichaje de Julián Alvarez por el Barça
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