October 20
Cerezo Issues a Warning
Just hours before a decisive Champions League clash against Stuttgart, Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo decided to break his silence—defying all expectations.
Instead of discussing the crucial European encounter, Cerezo delivered a direct message to the leaders of Spanish football, defended himself with a touch of sarcasm, and settled the debate surrounding the most talked-about moment from the previous round—involving Real Madrid player Arda Güler.
No Wars Between Club Leaders
In brief remarks to the media ahead of the match against Stuttgart—as reported by Spanish radio outlets—Cerezo sought to calm the heated atmosphere that has gripped Spanish football in recent days, a period marked by a "war of words" between the leadership of the major clubs.
With a firm tone, Cerezo stated: "I believe there shouldn't be any wars in football, especially not between those in leadership positions."
Many interpret this as a message directed specifically at the ongoing tensions involving Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid itself—an attempt by the veteran president to restore calm ahead of a week packed with high-stakes encounters.
We All Complain—But Some Exaggerate
When asked about the persistent complaints regarding officiating in La Liga—a topic now discussed by every club—Cerezo responded with a wry, meaningful smile.
"We all complain about everything," he said, "but the issue is that some exaggerate, while others do so to a lesser extent."
Analysts viewed this as a clear suggestion that while Atlético Madrid also suffers from poor officiating, they do not blow things out of proportion the way other clubs do—an indirect reference to the ongoing controversy surrounding Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Settling the Debate Over the Arda Güler Incident
Perhaps the most intriguing point was his comment on the controversial incident involving Arda Güler, which captured the attention of fans during Real Madrid’s recent match against Sevilla.
Cerezo did not hesitate to share his candid opinion: "Regarding the Arda Güler play—I saw it clearly, though perhaps the referee did not." With this brief statement, the president of Atlético Madrid joined the ranks of those criticizing the referee’s decision in that instance, asserting that, from his perspective, the foul was clear—and that the referee was the only one who failed to see it.
