Atletico de Madrid expect Julian Alvarez to silence doubters after Barcelona saga

Atletico de Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says he is confident Julian Alvarez can quickly rebuild his relationship with the club’s supporters, despite the Argentina forward’s stated desire to leave for Barcelona.

Cerezo has insisted Atletico remain committed to keeping Alvarez and believes the 27-year-old can win back the Madrid fans within two matches. The president made the comments before Atletico’s opening La Liga fixture against Malaga on Wednesday evening.

“I do not know now whether he will ask for forgiveness, but Julian is a wonderful person, and I am certain – absolutely convinced – that he will win the love of the fans in two matches,” Cerezo told Marca.

Alvarez publicly expressed his wish to leave Atletico for Barcelona during the World Cup. However, the Madrid club have maintained their position that the forward is not available for transfer.

Barcelona showed sustained interest in signing Alvarez throughout the summer transfer window and submitted a single offer worth 100m euros at the beginning of June. Atletico rejected the proposal and refused to part with a player they regard as central to their plans.

“I said from the beginning that he is not for sale. He is our player, an important part of our team, and that is why we want him with us and want him to continue. I believe he will have a wonderful season,” said Cerezo.

He added: “Julian is an Atletico de Madrid player, he has a contract with Atletico de Madrid, he trains with Atletico de Madrid, and he is preparing to have a great and outstanding season.”

Despite the club’s firm stance over his future, Alvarez will not be involved in Wednesday’s opening match against Malaga. Atletico head coach Diego Simeone said the forward had not yet reached the required level of physical fitness to play.

Alvarez was therefore left out of the 24-man squad selected for the fixture. His omission had the potential to add to the uncertainty surrounding his situation, but Atletico have stressed that his absence is not connected to the transfer dispute.

The club continue to regard Alvarez as part of Simeone’s plans for the new season. He is expected to return to contention once he has recovered full fitness, with Atletico hoping his performances on the pitch will help repair his standing with supporters.

Cerezo’s comments represent the clearest public indication yet that Atletico have no intention of changing their position, even as Barcelona’s interest and Alvarez’s reported preference for a move continue to dominate discussion around the player. The club’s immediate focus is now on the opening fixture, while Alvarez works towards his return.