There was a noticeable gap between Pep Guardiola’s words and his intentions.
Julian Alvarez expressed a desire to play in more significant matches for Manchester City, mentioning he would need to consider his future. This statement felt unexpected, especially since he had played more games than anyone else on the team last season. However, when the crucial matches came, he often found himself on the bench.
“I understand he wants to play in important moments, but so do 18 or 19 other players,” Guardiola said. “I read he’s thinking about his future. That’s fine, but he needs to tell us what he wants to do.”
On paper, Guardiola’s comments seemed reasonable, but his demeanor suggested otherwise—it marked a turning point for Alvarez.
Despite attempts to clarify his stance, Alvarez’s remarks had already caused a rift. He received an offer from Atletico Madrid, leading to a record transfer fee for City. Since moving to La Liga, he’s getting the playing time he sought, but he’s still adjusting to life in Madrid after a nearly year-long season in 2023/24.
This weekend presents a critical moment for him as Atletico faces Celta Vigo before a derby against Real Madrid. These are the types of matches he envisioned playing when he left City, and he’ll be eager to prove himself.
Last season, during City’s match against Real, Alvarez was frustrated by his limited role, coming on with just five minutes remaining. Over two appearances in the 2024 quarter-final, he managed only half an hour on the pitch. This lack of opportunities may have pushed him to seek a new challenge, despite the risk it posed to his relationship with Guardiola.
Now, Alvarez claims his earlier comments were “distorted” and taken out of context. Speaking to ESPN, he reflected, “I don’t think my departure was negative. I was sincere, but my words were amplified by social media. I simply wanted to evaluate my situation and consider future possibilities.”
He emphasized his positive experience at City, expressing gratitude for the trust and guidance he received from Guardiola. “I learned to adapt to various positions and understand the game better,” he noted.
Alvarez also mentioned that Guardiola had extended an open invitation for him to return to Manchester and say goodbye properly, indicating no hard feelings. However, for the Alvarez family, a farewell wasn’t feasible. His mother, Mariana, had previously shared that while clubs showed interest, they wanted to stay together as a family during his early career.
Alvarez’s journey to Madrid has been long, encompassing a World Cup, Copa America, and Champions League triumphs. Now, as he steps into the spotlight, he aims to seize his opportunity as the central figure in his new club.
Leave a Reply