Real Madrid News
Arbeloa’s decision to rely on Real Madrid academy talents upset dressing-room dynamic – report
After a season that is set to end without silverware, frustration within Real Madrid has begun to surface more openly.
Performances, particularly in the second half of the campaign, have failed to convince, and internally, there is a growing sense that things have not gone according to plan.
Now, according to The Athletic, from the outset, there were already doubts in certain sections of the hierarchy about Arbeloa’s readiness to take on such a demanding role.
Figures close to the decision-making process, including president Florentino Perez, were reportedly cautious when the appointment was made.
Now, those concerns appear to be resurfacing.
What’s the story?
One of the key points of tension revolves around Arbeloa’s squad management decisions, particularly his willingness to involve academy players.
While promoting youth is often viewed as a long-term positive, the timing and execution of these decisions have reportedly created friction within the dressing room.
Sources suggest that these call-ups have not been universally welcomed, with some players feeling that the balance within the squad has been disrupted.
Furthermore, it must be noted that Arbeloa’s relationship with certain senior figures has also come under strain.
Players such as Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos are among those not fully aligned with the manager, which shows a deeper issue within the squad dynamic.
At the same time, support for Arbeloa is not entirely absent, as high-profile names like Vinicius Jr. have publicly backed the coach. However, this split appears to follow certain lines.
As per the outlet, there is said to be a major disconnect between Arbeloa and a core group of Spanish players at the club, with some feeling that they have not been treated on equal terms compared to others within the squad.
That perception, whether accurate or not, has contributed to a sense of imbalance that can be difficult to resolve at this point.
In a season where Real Madrid have largely struggled to keep pace with leaders Barcelona, Arda Guler has been one of the few bright sparks.
Despite his limited minutes, the Turkish international has shown that he is capable of becoming a first-team regular for Los Blancos, especially at a time when others, including Vinicius Jr. are struggling to make an impact.
Guler was notably named in Real Madrid’s five-player star of the month for September and the player could soon be rewarded with a contract extension as well.
New contract for Arda Guler
According to AS, Guler has agreed terms for a new deal at Real Madrid, in what could be the club’s first major renewal for the new season.
The young Turk’s current deal at the Bernabeu expires in 2029. But the renewal will ensure his future at the club at least until 2031.
The new contract will effectively acknowledge Guler’s growing role in the Real Madrid first-team and include a salary-increase.
The negotiations between the two parties had started last month and has now come to fruition, with Guler more than happy to continue his chapter at Real Madrid.
He also joins a long list of Real Madrid players with long-term contracts, including Yan Diomande, Vinicius Jr., Marc Cucurella, Aurelien Tchouameni and others.
An important season ahead
With the contract likely to be finalised soon, Arda Guler’s main goal will be continue to his form when the season restarts next weekend.
The forward has been involved in four goals in seven matches this season. With Vinicius and Diomande struggling for form, the Turkish international will have an excellent opportunity to become a regular starter for Jose Mourinho throughout the course of the campaign.
Mourinho, for his part, must identify how to get the best out of both Guler and an in-form Jude Bellingham. If the two can somehow work together in the final third, Real Madrid could find themselves dominating most matches.
