Real Madrid locker room turmoil erupts after Alonso's departure

Real Madrid players have rejected new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa shortly after Xabi Alonso was let go.

Los Blancos decided to terminate Alonso's contract amid pressure from the locker room. The former midfielder had tense relations with several stars who were unhappy with his strict demands. Now,Real Madrid's Galacticos have reacted negatively towards Arbeloa, who was promoted from Castilla to take charge at Bernabeu.

Arbeloa has managed the team in six matches since replacing Alonso, securing four wins but also suffering a humiliating defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid players appear dissatisfied with their new coach, who is appointed at least until the season's end.

Journalist Anton Meana shared on Cadena SER: “Some players we spoke with expected more from the coaching change. They say it’s about working without complaints but they feel like they are being coached as if they were a Castilla team. (...) There has been no tactical change.”

Journalist Miguel Angel Diaz of Cadena COPE further revealed that Fran Garcia, in particular, wanted to leave during the last transfer window. He said: “We have been informed that within the club there is dissatisfaction about the constant changing of player positions. This was evident in the recent match when, despite having two natural left-backs on the bench, Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia, Eduardo Camavinga was still chosen to play there. This happened under Carlo Ancelotti and now continues under Alvaro Arbeloa.”

“This situation may explain why Fran Garcia considered leaving, with a move to Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola nearly finalized. The player had said farewell to teammates but the club, especially Florentino Perez, ultimately blocked the transfer.”

“Now, all attention turns to what will happen next. In cases of absence or suspension, for example if Carreras cannot play, it remains to be seen whether Camavinga will continue at left-back or if Fran Garcia will be given a chance in a different scenario.”

Real Madrid will face Valencia at 03:00 AM on February 9 (Vietnam time), with new pressure mounting on how Arbeloa manages the team being inevitable.