Pep Guardiola Longs for Julián Alvarez’s Return to Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his sentiments about Julián Alvarez ahead of the Premier League clash against Everton. Guardiola praised Alvarez’s remarkable rise in football and how much he misses the player now shining at Atlético de Madrid.
Pep Guardiola Reflects on Julián Alvarez’s Impact
Guardiola reminisced about Alvarez’s contributions during his time at Manchester City. He recalled the 2022/23 season when City had a plethora of talented players, including Alvarez, on the bench. “I’d love to have them, but they wanted to play,” Guardiola stated.
Alvarez’s Journey to Atlético de Madrid
In 2022, Manchester City acquired Alvarez from River Plate for £14 million. The young striker quickly proved his worth, contributing to Argentina’s World Cup victory that year. He also became the first player to secure a continental treble in the same season.
Last season, following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne, Alvarez adapted his role within the team. However, he sought more playing time and his family preferred not to remain in England, leading to his transfer to Atlético Madrid for an initial fee of €75 million.
Alvarez’s Success at Atlético Madrid
Guardiola acknowledged Alvarez’s transition, stating, “He had to compete with Erling Haaland.” Currently, Alvarez is flourishing at Atlético, showcasing his skills under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone.
- Alvarez scored a remarkable brace against Real Madrid recently, contributing to a 5-2 victory.
- He is currently second in LaLiga’s Pichichi race with six goals, trailing Kylian Mbappé.
- In his debut season, Alvarez netted 17 goals in LaLiga and 29 across all competitions.
As Atlético prepares to face Osasuna, Alvarez is set to enhance his goal tally. The team is recovering well, bolstered by new playmakers Thiago Almada and Álex Baena. Guardiola’s reflections highlight not only his admiration for Alvarez but also the natural progression of players in pursuit of their careers.
