‘I don’t pay much attention’ – Real Madrid manager fires back after Barcelona president’s explosive comments | OneFootball

The tension between Barcelona and Real Madrid has intensified once again after Alvaro Arbeloa publicly responded to recent criticism from Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

The latest exchange comes after Laporta strongly criticised Florentino Perez following the Real Madrid president’s controversial press conference discussing the Negreira case and refereeing controversies in Spanish football.

What did Laporta say?

Laporta had accused Real Madrid of trying to distract attention away from sporting failures while attacking Barcelona publicly. 

Speaking previously about Florentino’s appearance, the Barcelona president stated, 

“It was a grotesque press conference, full of falsehoods regarding the Negreira case, a smokescreen and a strategy to divert attention after two years without winning anything.”

Laporta had earlier criticised Perez. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He also continued his criticism by saying, “They’ve invested heavily and still haven’t won anything. They’ve fanned the flames of their own miseries.”

Arbeloa’s response

Those comments naturally created an immediate reaction, and Arbeloa has delivered Real Madrid’s latest response ahead of the club’s final La Liga fixture against Athletic Club.

When questioned about Laporta’s remarks during his press conference, he said that Laporta’s words do not concern him personally.

“I don’t pay much attention to Laporta’s words. We have always been very clear in everything we have discussed.”

The Real Madrid coach then shifted focus back towards the Negreira matter once again.

Arbeloa has responded to Laporta’s words. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“I imagine he is referring to the Negreira case, and we are still awaiting a decision on a matter of such gravity.”

Furthermore, Arbeloa also questioned how some referees connected to the controversy have continued officiating matches despite the ongoing investigation.

“Whilst many of the referees linked to the case have continued to officiate matches.”

The Madrid manager finished by defending Real Madrid’s decision to keep publicly raising concerns over the issue. 

“These are not normal circumstances for us, and it is our responsibility to continue to denounce them,” he concluded.

Source: AS