The Manchester City coach acknowledged his mistake in transferring the forward from the Argentine National Team in 2024, although he admitted that “he didn’t play much” and that he understands “why he left.”
In a press conference prior to Manchester City’s 2-0 victory against Everton, Coach Pep Guardiola revealed that he regrets the sale of Julián Álvarez to Atlético de Madrid that occurred in 2024 and admitted that he would like to coach the Argentine National Team forward again.
“The year of the treble, do you remember the players he left on the bench? Ayme Laporte, incredible center back and starter for the national team, Julián and others that I would love to have now, but they wanted to play more and they left”said the 54-year-old Spaniard, referring to the squad that the citizen team had in the 2022/23 season, when they won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Then he added: “Julián had to compete with Erling (Haaland)which was something top. And that is why he is now in one of the best teams in the world, Atlético de Madrid, with a world-class coach and teammates and he is doing incredibly well. And now I would love to have it, but I understand.”
Julián Álvarez’s great free kick goal that thrilled Diego Simeone against Real Madrid
In August 2024, Colchonero paid 75 million fixed euros with an additional 15 million in variables for La Arañawho left the English team due to lack of minutes. So far, the performance has been superlative. Although he has not yet won any trophy, he became the top figure of the Rojiblancos. In 66 games, he scored 36 goals and provided 11 assists.
Julián Álvarez arrived at Manchester City in 2022 for 21,400,000 eurosfrom River. He arrived as a promising player and established himself as Haaland’s ideal substitute and even acted as a midfielder and winger, when necessary. There he played 103 games, scored 36 goals and gave 19 assists on goal. In addition, he won seven titles: X2 Premier League and then X1 Champions, X1 FA Cup, X1 European Super Cup, X1 Community Shield and X1 Club World Cup.
After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, the Skyblues found their way back into the elite. They are second in the English First Division with 16 points (three behind the leader Arsenal) and have a devilish Haaland, who in 10 games hit the net 14 times.
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