Why Julián Alvarez did not enter the Champions League final

In Istanbul, site of the Champions League final, it was not a topic of debate. Neither among Manchester City fans nor among English journalists. But yes in Argentina, where many wondered and questioned why Julián Álvarez did not add minutes against Inter. The networks exploded with that topic and in olé we tell you the reasons.

In the days before the final, Pep Guardiola had a plan A. Facing Inter’s 5-3-2, with two forwards inside, he believed that he should defend with three central defenders. But this time, John Stones would not join the middle from the position of defender but from the right side so Walker would leave the team. Ahead, the idea was to match those five defenders with Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Haaland, Gundogan and Grealish. As if to force Inter to push back a midfielder to have numerical superiority behind. The idea, which did not come out, was to sink Inzaghi’s team against his goal.

But just as there was a plan A, those who know Guardiola know that he always handles different options according to the opponent’s position and the context of the game. And as he was able to find out oléone of those plans contemplated the admission of Julián.

If the game remained equal after 30 minutes of the second half, it would be the turn of the former River, who would enter through an interior to go double-headed with Haaland. In fact, shortly after the start of the second half, with the game 0-0, Guardiola sent four players to warm up. One of them was Álvarez, the 23-year-old man who already has 12 titles.

However, 23 minutes into the plugin, Rodri put City ahead. And that changed Pep’s plans with Julián. He no longer needed another tip. The context of the party had changed.

Despite that, there was another chance for the Argentine to enter. With about five minutes left to go (plus the five added to the regulation), the Catalan coach noticed Haaland tired. He was seen from the stands. He no longer pressed forward and it was difficult for him to hold the ball. Pep thought of Julián but he saw the game time, how Inter was coming and considered keeping the Norwegian on the field due to a matter of height. “In the last five minutes of the game, the rival had three set pieces. And Haaland brings us defensive air play,” they told olé.

Thus, Androide’s 1.94 meter weighed more than his own fatigue and the freshness that Julián could bring him, who with his 1.72 meter does not give City the same physical presence for centers in their own area.

“Julián is highly valued by Pep. He has the problem of having Haaland in front and other footballers in other attacking positions who are at a high level, but he has added minutes in the season and delivered goals and good performances, even in other positions”, they say from Guardiola’s entourage, who had recently praised him: “Already in a preseason game, with few training sessions on top, I realized how special he is. I hope he stays at City for many years.” His season was very good: despite being a substitute, he finished as the team’s second goalscorer, with 17 goals, behind Haaland’s 52.

After the match, Julián, who had already joined the tour of the Argentine National Team, was asked about his situation and said: “It was a magnificent season, incredible personally. Not only because of the victory, but because I learned a lot, I grew as a player and as a person. Now I have to go to the National Team, join there, then vacation and then we’ll see how it goes.” Can you leave City in search of greater continuity? Except for an irrefutable offer, today it does not seem possible.