Real Madrid star downplays talk of locker room unrest ahead of Olympiacos clash – ‘We have an amazing atmosphere’ | OneFootball

Following a run of three games without a victory, Real Madrid take on Olympiacos on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, hoping to get things back on track.

The winless run began in this competition, with a defeat to Liverpool, following which Los Blancos have been held two draws in La Liga by Rayo Vallecano and Elche.

It has put immense pressure on the team as well as manager Xabi Alonso, with multiple sources claiming that there is growing rift in the locker room between some players and the Spanish tactician.

Alvaro Carreras addresses rift rumours

However, speaking to the media ahead of the Olympiacos game, Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras downplayed those talks, insisting that the atmosphere in the locker room was great.

“It’s great, we have an amazing atmosphere with the manager. There’s a really good vibe and we have a great relationship. I’m super happy to be part of this squad,” said the left-back.

Talking about the game against Olympiacos, the Spanish talent pointed out: “I’m really happy to be able to play my season here, especially in the Champions League.

“We know they’re a tough team, that we’re coming to their home ground, and that it’s going to be difficult to win the game.”

Having arrived from SL Benfica in the summer, Carreras has become a permanent fixture in the side under Alonso, featuring in all but one of the Merengues’ matches this term.

A key player for Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

On being asked if he expected to play this much when he signed, the 22-year-old noted:

“Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I try my best and I trust that I’ll perform at my best. I hope to get many more minutes in a long season like the one we have here. I’m confident it will continue like this.”

Talking about the position he feels most comfortable on the field, the Real Madrid ace said:

“My position is left-back, but I can play centre-back, wing-back, in a back four, a back five… I adapt to whatever is needed, to whatever the manager asks for at any given time.”

When asked how he approaches matches and if he prefers to analyse opponents or just take the field and enjoy the game, he remarked:

“I like to analyse the opponent, the matches. I like to analyse them. And I also like to go out and enjoy the beautiful things that football has to offer.”

The left-back was then asked if he felt that Real Madrid were respected more by foreign clubs than teams in Spain. In response, he said:

“No team likes playing against Real Madrid. It’s a team with a lot of history and a big name. But we go to every stadium with the hunger to win, with character and always looking to attack.”

Source: AS