Laporta talks Julian Alvarez, Raphinha, relationship with Atleti ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Laporta talks Julian Alvarez, Raphinha, relationship with Atleti ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona The Barcelona squad has arrived in Madrid ahead of the high stakes encounter between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this evening. Barça president Joan Laporta also arrived on time for the board members’ dinner, leading a large club delegation. Speaking to media, Laporta offered his thoughts on various topics, including Barcelona’s relationship with Atletico Madrid bosses as well as Julian Alvarez, among other things. Laporta on relationship with Atleti and Alvarez Laporta and Barcelona are not too bothered about Alvarez anymore. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) First and foremost, Laporta addressed Barcelona’s relationship with Atletico Madrid, which was thought to be broken after the club’s extensive push to sign Julian Alvarez in the summer. Laporta, though, claimed that the relations are good at the moment. “Relations are good at the institutional and personal level and we want to continue like this,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo ). “Relationships went through a difficult time , but we have a good relationship and the appreciation is mutual ,” he added. When asked about Alvarez, Laporta clarified that he does not want to talk about a player who belongs to the other team. “He’s an Atlético de Madrid player, he’s not our player. And as our coach and Simeone have said, they have taken iron out of the matter, the issue is cleared up,” he said. This is a significant pivot from how Barcelona acted in the summer, pushing hard to try and convince Atleti to sell the Argentine. This does confirm reports earlier in the day which claimed relations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have indeed recovered , though Barcelona can still expect a hostile welcome by fans at the Metropolitano. Laporta heaps praise on Raphinha All eyes on Raphinha this evening. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) Laporta, meanwhile, took the moment to talk about Raphinha, who is expected to play a crucial role for Barcelona against a robust Atleti defence. “Raphinha is a very powerful ‘9’ files to whom you sign. And it doesn’t just play 9, it moves all over the field. He is the best player in the world in his position, very complete, ” he said. Laporta glazing Raphinha ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash is a clear indicator that the club do not rue missing out on Alvarez in the summer. The Brazilian has netted 19 goals in 13 matches this season and will be keen on extending his tally this evening.