As the El Clasico showdown with Barcelona looms, Real Madrid finds itself in turmoil. Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad, facing the end of a disappointing season on Sunday if they fail to secure a win at the Spotify Camp Nou, is reportedly experiencing a toxic atmosphere with growing divisions within the team at Valdebebas.
Earlier this week, Alvaro Carreras confirmed a physical altercation with teammate Antonio Rudiger. On Wednesday, midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde were also involved in a similar incident.
These events coincide with reports of strained relationships between Arbeloa and several players. According to Marca, as many as six players have ceased communication with the Real Madrid head coach.
Dani Carvajal Among Those Reportedly Clashing with Arbeloa
While the specific identities of the six players remain undisclosed in the report, some can be inferred. In recent weeks, Arbeloa has reportedly clashed with several Spanish players in the Real Madrid squad. These include club captain Dani Carvajal, Raul Asencio, and Dani Ceballos, who is said to be out for the remainder of the season following a disagreement with his manager.
Carreras is another player whose relationship with Arbeloa is strained. Arbeloa reportedly views the former Manchester United and Benfica defender as having a “bad attitude” and no longer seems to rely on his services, evidenced by the decision not to substitute the injured Ferland Mendy with Carreras during Sunday’s victory against Espanyol.
Whether Arbeloa’s decisions to sideline these players are justified is a matter of debate. However, the apparent division within the Real Madrid dressing room is unlikely to sit well with president Florentino Perez and further suggests a potential change in management this summer.