Real Madrid dressing room silent around Álvaro Arbeloa amid 'el chivato de Florentino' claims | OneFootball

After the Copa del Rey exit at Albacete, Real Madrid’s visiting dressing room at Carlos Belmonte fell quiet. Only Álvaro Arbeloa spoke, trying to lift spirits while accepting responsibility for the elimination.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, first-team players have been advised not to speak freely in front of Arbeloa or to discuss Florentino Pérez or Xabi Alonso. Entourages of three players confirmed the guidance, saying Arbeloa is seen as "el chivato de Florentino".

The cited reason is that the club are seeking scapegoats and anyone taking a stance could be targeted, with one source noting Arbeloa was coaching the youth team eight months ago and now leads the first team.

The discord predates this week. Ancelotti left weary of an indulged group, and Mbappé’s arrival sparked ego clashes involving Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham, the former pushing to be the best paid, the latter feeling slighted after a standout first season.

In June, Vinícius learned he would be a substitute against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final and phoned Pérez to warn he would not renew. That flashpoint was followed by Valverde’s public show of dissent and Bellingham’s camp contacting Pérez. By the time Vinícius protested a clásico change at the Bernabéu, half the dressing room had mutinied against Xabi Alonso.

Arbeloa has tried to win the group with careful messaging. Post-match he thanked Vinícius for being there and playing every minute, wording that raised questions over non-injured omissions such as Courtois, Carreras, Tchouameni or Bellingham.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo