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Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has criticised Barcelona over their pursuit of striker Julian Alvarez this summer. ‘Barcelona have not risen to the occasion’ - Enrique Cerezo critical of Julian Alvarez pursuit More curious comments from the capital club. Alvarez said during the World Cup he wanted out of Atletico but remains with Diego Simeone’s side heading into the start of the new La Liga season. Barcelona remain keen on the Argentina international but Cerezo says his club have never wanted to sell and added Barcelona have “not risen to the occasion.” “I believe, and the only thing I can say after a rather complicated summer with the constant questions about Julián Álvarez, is that he is an Atlético de Madrid player, that he has always been an Atlético de Madrid player , and that we never intended to sell him, ” he told he told El Desmarque. “He is an Atlético de Madrid player who is available to the coach whenever the coach wants him. What I believe is that FC Barcelona has not risen to the occasion and has not done what it usually does in these cases.” Alvarez was back in the Atletico squad for today’s clash at Villarreal but was not named in the starting XI and is likely to face a hot reception from angry fans if he does get on.