Oblak defends Julian Alvarez amid fans’ fury over failed Barcelona transfer

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has backed Julian Alvarez amid lingering supporter anger over the striker’s collapsed summer move to Barcelona.

‎Alvarez pushed for a move to Barcelona this summer but Atletico stood their ground and failed to let go of the Argentine. The Los Rojiblancos also turned down a €150 million bid from Real Madrid, insisting on his €500 million release clause.

‎Despite interest coming in from Arsenal, Alvarez rejected the move and ended up staying in Spain.

‎Oblak has now revealed that the senior leadership group in Atletico ensured the dressing room remained firmly behind Alvarez.

‎The Slovenian shot-stopper addressed the media ahead of this weekend’s massive showdown against neighbours Real Madrid.

Jan Oblak gives instructions to Julian Alvarez during a UEFA Champions League match. (Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

‎Addressing the Argentina forward’s situation directly, he insisted: “As players and captains, we’ve handled the Julian situation as something that is now in the past. He is with us, we are backing him, he is giving his maximum, and he has already played a few matches where he gave everything he could. I am certain that as long as he is here, he will give one hundred percent of himself and will do everything possible for this club to bring in the best results possible.”

‎Looking ahead to the clash with their cross-city rivals, the captain maintained that off-pitch noise will not derail their pursuit of silverware. Relishing the intensity of the fixture, he stated: “A derby is always a derby; anyone would want to play in these matches.”

‎Oblak added: “From my very first derby, the mindset has always been to win it. You leave everything on the pitch, eager to perform as best you can and help the team. This time around won’t be any different.”

‎He concluded by setting his sights on the ultimate domestic prize: “We are going to try to win La Liga. We are competing against big clubs like Madrid or Barca, but also Athletic, Villarreal, Betis… Every year we compete, we want to win. We don’t fight just to finish in the top four; we want to win the title. But La Liga is very long, there will be good and bad moments, and times when things don’t go our way, but we have to believe.”

‎Atletico currently sit fourth in the Liga table after taking 13 points from their opening six fixtures.