Raúl García calls for respect over Julián Álvarez saga | OneFootball

Raúl García has urged respect for Julián Álvarez amid Barcelona’s interest, while strengthening his cycling bond with Alberto Contador in Bilbao. Contador visited a high-performance centre, discussing fitness and the summer to come.

As reported by as.com, the pair’s recent friendship led to a full battery of tests at Emen4sport. Contador said his numbers surprised him and joked he might manage a Tour stage if it were very calm.

He expects an enticing Pogacar versus Vingegaard duel, and highlighted 19-year-old Paul Seixas after his Itzulia dominance, while warning the three-week test is another matter. With Team Polti VisitMalta he twice neared Giro stage wins and said a Tour bid could come in time if backing arrives.

He felt Vingegaard’s dominance at the Giro was no surprise, praising his calculating, error-free style. In his view, Vingegaard has now completed the triple crown by winning all three Grand Tours, with focus turning to how he reaches the Tour.

García, an Emen4sport ambassador, lauded Ernesto Valverde’s legacy at Athletic, saying it extends beyond one Copa and that he suffered despite a respectful farewell. He urged patience with incoming Edin Terzic and asked for trust rather than early unrest.

On the academy, he warned against rushing promotions, saying pathways differ and call-ups should not be forced. On Álvarez, he again called for respect and recalled the Nico Williams noise from recent summers. He also praised Antoine Griezmann’s contribution to Atlético Madrid.

Source: as.com