Álex Baena: “The way it happened bothered us” in the Julián Alvarez saga

“I understand a player wanting to leave if Barça or Real Madrid come for him, but the way it happened bothered us.” In an interview with Cadena SER, Álex Baena explained the unease among his teammates over the summer episode involving Julián Alvarez, while stressing that the group had since moved on.

His comments came after Atlético de Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. The result hurt the dressing room, particularly because Atlético had produced a strong first half. Baena acknowledged that hearing a teammate speak publicly about wanting to leave had been difficult: “We would have supported Julián whatever he did.” He added that Julián had apologised to the group and that his public apology reflected well on him.

The midfielder also defended the forward after his missed chances against Barcelona. Baena said Julián had a difficult night, but remained committed in training and joked with his teammates. “Any player can have a bad game,” he said, pointing to Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi as examples. Baena added that the real concern would be if Julián stopped creating four or five chances per match. At his post-match press conference, he had also described Julián’s performance as good and hoped he would continue to get as many chances.

Baena explained why he chose not to approach Julián after that difficult evening: “If I’d had a bad game, I wouldn’t want someone coming to talk to me straight afterwards.” He said he had left the pitch frustrated, but not angry with his coach. Substituted in the 72nd minute with the score at 1-2, he felt Atlético had created clearer chances and regretted missing the opportunity to go top. He also described his relationship with Simeone as very good and close, adding that he had joined Atlético because Simeone was the coach.

On the match, Baena said Atlético had caused Barcelona plenty of problems but lacked accuracy in front of goal. In his view, the opposition converted its chances while Atlético did not, and a drop in intensity proved costly. He called the first half the team’s best performance in a long time, even better, in his assessment, than its victories over Barça and Real Madrid last season. This season, Baena has five goals and four assists for Atlético.

The Spaniard also spoke about his personal progress. After injuries and physical problems, he says he has regained consistency and is happier in his day-to-day life. He credited a different approach to training and his free time, as well as the positive effect of the World Cup on his fitness and state of mind.