Barcelona interim president condemns Atletico Madrid social media campaign

Interim Barcelona president Rafa Yuste has publicly criticised Atletico Madrid for a series of social media posts that mocked the Catalan club’s reported interest in signing striker Julian Alvarez. Yuste described the campaign as being in “very poor taste” and called for a return to professional conduct between the two Spanish giants.

The controversy began after Atletico Madrid published edited images of Barcelona players Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri wearing Atletico shirts. The posts were accompanied by humorous messages that attracted significant attention across Spanish football, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two clubs ahead of the new season.

Addressing the incident, Yuste did not conceal his disappointment with Atletico’s approach. “The truth is that I found those comments to be in very poor taste, but we must focus on what we do as a club,” he said. He emphasised that good manners must come first, stating that the club must set an example from the president down to the last member of the board.

Despite the online exchanges, Yuste stressed that Barcelona’s sporting department remains fully focused on its transfer plans. He clarified that the club has a clear way of operating and that its sporting policy remains unchanged. According to Yuste, sporting director Deco is very clear about his plans and intends to stick to them.

When asked about the ongoing presidential election at Real Madrid, Yuste dismissed the topic, stating that Barcelona is “entirely focused on what we are doing.” The interim president’s comments serve to reinforce the club’s internal stability and strategic direction amidst external distractions.

Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez has become one of the most prominent talking points of the summer transfer window. While the interest in the Argentine forward is widely reported, specific details regarding negotiations or formal bids have not been disclosed. The club maintains that its decisions will be driven by its established sporting strategy rather than external noise.

The incident highlights the growing friction between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as both clubs finalise their strategies for the upcoming season. Yuste’s intervention underscores the club’s desire to maintain institutional dignity and focus on its operational objectives, regardless of rival attempts to provoke a reaction.