Barcelona Flick shuts down Julián Álvarez talk

Hansi Flick has removed himself from Barcelona’s interest in Julián Álvarez, leaving the forward’s situation for the club’s sporting leadership to handle. The coach said he was focused on preparing the team and did not want to discuss the Atlético de Madrid striker after Barcelona’s latest Liga victory.

Barcelona have opened the season with two wins from two matches, scoring seven goals and conceding none. Their latest result was a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on the second matchday, giving Flick a strong start while discussions about Álvarez continue outside his immediate sporting brief.

Álvarez, a 26-year-old Argentina and Italy international, remains an Atlético player but wants to leave Madrid. He has not trained with the club for three days. Arsenal are monitoring his position, although a return to England is not especially appealing to the former Manchester City forward. Barcelona are also seen as a possible destination.

Atlético have publicly rejected the possibility of negotiating with Barcelona. The club’s chief executive, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, has accused unnamed parties of confusing Álvarez and said the player is going through a difficult period personally and professionally. Flick’s position keeps the coach away from a dispute that now rests with Barcelona’s directors and Atlético’s firm stance.