Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa under fire as Madrid stars question his tactics | OneFootball

Madrid coach’s early choices spark internal frustration

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa under fire as Madrid stars question his tactics

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly faced tensions with senior players after disputed choices in matches against Benfica & Rayo Vallecano.

Dressing room tension after key matches

New Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly dealing with early frustration inside the squad following disagreements with several players over his tactical decisions & substitutions.

Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Benfica forced the club into Champions League playoff round for place in the last 16.

The team then followed that setback with narrow 2-1 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano, a match that did little to ease concerns within the dressing room.

According to journalist Anton Meana from Cadena SER, Arbeloa became involved in long discussion with players after the Rayo match delaying his post-game press conference by nearly hour.

Surprise over midfield choices

Meana reported that Arbeloa’s close relationship with players has become double-edged sword, with some squad members feeling he is “too close” in his approach.

One of the main complaints reportedly came after the Benfica match where several key players were surprised that Arbeloa did not start Dani Ceballos, instead choosing to rely on young midfielder Sistero.

Players are said to have raised their concerns directly with the coach.

The discussions continued after the Rayo Vallecano match, with disagreements described as tactical and technical creating tense atmosphere in the locker room despite the victory.

Expectations not yet met

Some players reportedly expected more immediate improvement following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa’s appointment.

According to Meana, members of the squad feel the team is still working under methods similar to those used in Castilla, rather than fully established first-team system.

Arbeloa promoted from managing Real Madrid Castilla after Alonso was sacked in the wake of poor results and internal disputes including the club’s loss to Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup.