The tension between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona transcended the playing fields. In the lead-up to the match and after the precautionary measure granted by the CSD to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor was confirmed, the president of the Basque entity, Jon Uriarte, harshly criticized the decision of the governmental body and the Catalan club a day after having distanced himself from the pressures on LaLiga and the RFEF regarding the case of the two players.
In statements reported by 'Movistar+', the Bilbao president stated that "from what I have read, it is a provisional measure taken by a political body and now it is LaLiga and the RFEF with their allegations that will have to defend the decision they made".
"I believe that such a situation cannot be given because it is very bad for Spanish football"
"If I draw a conclusion, it is that we are eight days into the new year and we are seeing something that is astonishing. Clubs are asked to make an effort to grow, also to make efforts like coming here to a country far from our fans to play these matches, but then we live situations of this type that are absurd", Uriarte concluded.
Deco's harsh response
The words of the president of the lions did not go unnoticed by Deco, the sporting director of Barça, who did not hesitate to respond firmly, although first expressed his satisfaction with the CSD's decision. "I am happy for the players, it has been difficult days because both want to play and have traveled for this. We are satisfied and happy because they have given us reason and that is what is important", he commented.
Finally, he criticized Uriarte for his controversial statements against the club. "He needs to worry about himself, every club has its problems and difficulties. The club is trying to do things as best as possible. The reason or not is a matter of justice and if in the end they give us reason, it is for a reason"; concluded the Portuguese.