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Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has revealed that he is open to negotiations with Barcelona if the Catalan club expresses interest in playing their Champions League matches at the Metropolitano Stadium.
In an interview with SPORT, ahead of Atletico’s crucial away match against Barcelona—one that could have significant implications for both teams in the title race—Cerezo touched on a variety of topics, including player transfers and the relationship between the two clubs.
Sharing players
Cerezo spoke about the experience of former Barcelona players who have found success at Atletico Madrid.
Players like Clement Lenglet, who had been overlooked at Barcelona but is now performing well at Atletico, came up in the conversation. Cerezo highlighted the importance of players adapting to their new environments.
Cerezo spoke on Lenglet’s future. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
He stressed that if players do not get enough time to adjust, their situation becomes much harder.
“I think the players have to adapt. And if we don’t give them time to adapt, then their situation will be very difficult. I think Lenglet is a magnificent player and he is here, at Barça or wherever he goes,” he began saying.
Cerezo expressed his admiration for Lenglet, describing him as a “magnificent player” and emphasised that, whether at Barcelona or any other club, he would do well.
As for Lenglet’s future, Cerezo said that while he wasn’t fully aware of the player’s current situation, he believes Lenglet has been working hard and performing well.
“Right now I don’t know exactly what his situation is, but I imagine that Lenglet is working well, he is doing very well and hopefully, he will continue like this until the end of the season. Undoubtedly, if so, then we would like to keep it.”
Relationship between Barcelona and Atletico
Enrique Cerezo has an excellent relationship with Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Turning to the relationship between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Cerezo acknowledged that the two clubs have always enjoyed a strong connection.
He also spoke about Barcelona’s current president, Joan Laporta, with whom he has a longstanding relationship. Cerezo mentioned that he has known Laporta for the past eight years and continues to have a great working relationship with him.
“I met Laporta during the last eight years of his tenure and we have met again now. We always have a magnificent relationship with Laporta, I think he’s a great president.”
The two clubs, he said, have had extensive interactions, especially regarding player transfers.
“We have gotten along well with all the teams, but with Barcelona very well because it has also been what we have had the most contact with in terms of player trade,” he added.
Cerezo’s take on Barcelona
When asked about Barcelona’s current team under Hansi Flick, Cerezo was full of praise.
He described Barcelona as having one of the youngest teams in Europe, with “magnificent players” and a promising future ahead.
Enrique Cerezo is impressed with Barcelona’s youth development. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
“Barça have the youngest team in Europe, they have magnificent players and for me, they have a wonderful future.”
Among Barcelona’s standout players, Cerezo singled out Pedri and Gavi, although he expressed admiration for the entire squad, including the likes of Lewandowski, and praised their collective talent.
“I really like Pedri, I like Gavi a lot… I really like everyone, practically everyone, from the goalkeeper to the last one. I like Lewandowski a lot. They are great players,” he noted.
Barcelona’s UCL matches
Finally, when questioned about Barcelona’s potential request to play their Champions League games at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, Cerezo confirmed that the club is always willing to cooperate with others.
“We always cooperate with all clubs.”
However, he clarified that there is no immediate plan to negotiate the matter, stating that the situation would be assessed if it arose. “There is nothing to negotiate. We will see what happens,” he concluded.
