Julián Álvarez aims to win back Atlético fans’ trust against Barcelona

Atlético Madrid host Barcelona on Sunday in a match the report describes as an opportunity for Julián Álvarez to strengthen his reconciliation with his team’s fans after apologising for earlier comments about wanting to leave. The striker had spoken of his dream of moving to Barcelona, but Atlético did not agree to sell him.

Álvarez was jeered by Atlético fans at the start of the season, then apologised for the timing of his comments about leaving, without denying that he had felt that way at the time or confirming that he had changed his mind about wanting to go. Coach Diego Simeone said he appreciated the apology and believed the player was now more comfortable.

Álvarez’s performances gradually improved, and he scored in consecutive matches against Stuttgart and Deportivo La Coruña, according to the report. After starting just one of the team’s first seven matches and scoring no goals, he started five of their next eight matches and scored two goals.

Atlético are ahead of Real Madrid and behind Barcelona after recording seven consecutive La Liga wins. The report notes that the team have scored through several players, while Barcelona’s need for Álvarez has diminished after Raphinha and Lamine Yamal impressed and 13 different players scored for the team.