Atlético de Madrid vs Barcelona LaLiga preview and pre-match comments from Enrique Cerezo, Digi Mart USA News: Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, spoke to the media at the pre-match lunch before tonight’s game. He said the team has good feelings but that today’s match is difficult, adding, “As always, we will try to win it.”
Asked whether the matter involving Julián with Barcelona had been settled, Cerezo said it was resolved at the time. “We said what we had to say and that’s it,” he said.
He added that Julián must now show his quality on the pitch and that there is no need to keep discussing him with Barcelona.
Cerezo said relations with Barcelona are good, as they are with all clubs in Spain’s professional and regional divisions. He also said the fans are sovereign and will voice their opinion if they wish, but that for the club the issue is fully settled.
On whether a goal would be Julián’s best apology, Cerezo replied, “Not one goal, two.” He also said he hopes the players will rise to the occasion in what he called a great match.
Asked about the significance of leading the league tonight, Cerezo said the club has been leader many times and he would not worry too much about it, adding that there is a long way to go until the end of the season. He also said it is better to head into the break as leaders.
Cerezo confirmed he speaks regularly with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and said there was nothing unusual about speaking with him today. Asked about playing Barcelona twice in less than a month, he said the league schedule is set as it is.
Describing Barcelona, Cerezo said, “It is a good team, one of the best in Europe, if not the best.” On whether Atlético is competing with Barcelona for the title, he said, “We are competing, for now we are competing.”
Asked whether Real Madrid fans would prefer Atlético or Barcelona to win, Cerezo said he did not know and suggested the question be put to Real Madrid supporters. Asked when the NFL might come to the Metropolitano, he said the club has many commitments at the stadium and he was not sure it could accept any more.
