Real Madrid News
Real Madrid boss has benched new signing multiple times due to bad behaviour
Alvaro Carreras was one of the new players who joined Real Madrid last summer as part of the club’s plans to strengthen the defensive unit.
The Spaniard had an electric start to the season under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. But over time, his lack of defensive discipline made him a particular weakness in the Real Madrid backline, while injuries, too, marred his progress.
The second half of the season has been a disappointing one for Carreras, who has not gelled well with new coach Alvaro Arbeloa at all.
Arbeloa loses patience with Carreras
According to El Mundo, Carreras has been dropped from Real Madrid’s starting lineup on multiple occasions this season due to what Arbeloa has deemed a bad attitude.
The report does not go into specific details about the nature of the incidents, but makes clear that the coach has been firm in his stance, unwilling to turn a blind eye to behaviour he considers unacceptable, regardless of the player’s talent or potential.
Carreras is not the only Real Madrid fullback who has found it difficult to cope with Arbeloa, as veteran defender Dani Carvajal has also felt he has been mistreated and is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
The report suggests Arbeloa has prioritised praising the club’s established stars in press conferences at the expense of the homegrown core, creating a sense of frustration within the dressing room.
For Carreras specifically, his relationship with the manager has clearly broken down at a critical stage of the season.
With Real Madrid already out of contention for the title and the club preparing for a significant summer rebuild, Carreras will be hoping for a managerial change in the near future.
Real Madrid News
Espanyol manager praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid face-off: ‘He’s one of the best in history’
RCD Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Real Madrid, now coached by Jose Mourinho, and had nothing but praise for the Portuguese tactician.
After firing two managers last season, in Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid roped in Mourinho, who returns to the club 13 years after his first stint at the club.
And, as he gets set for his first La Liga match of the second tenure, Mourinho earned praise from his Espanyol counterpart.
Gonzaloez praises Real Madrid and Mourinho
Speaking to the media, when asked what scared him the most about Real Madrid, Gonzalez said:
“Nothing scares me, but there’s always respect, not just for Real Madrid, but for every team.
“A new coach, one of the best in the world and in history, as his trophy cabinet shows. It’s a very demanding and motivating match at the same time, and it has to serve us to give everything we’ve got.”
On whether he had any plans to stop the threat posed by Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, the Espanyol boss remarked:
“Try to defend together, stay organised and defend as well as possible. Against opponents of this level, you have to defend well the entire match and try to attack with purpose, without fear, knowing that they’re also a team you can hurt.”
Continuing on what makes Real Madrid a threat, he added: “They have the ability to find you in central areas, in one-on-ones, and when running they’re among the best in La Liga. They can hurt you in behind.
“Attacking well is very important, attacking in an organised way and being prepared for when we lose the ball.”
“We have to look for players capable of maintaining this rhythm and, as I always tell them, if you can last 70 minutes, then give everything for 70 minutes. Don’t try to pace yourself. Whoever comes on will have to give more than 100%.”
On what to expect from Real Madrid
When asked if he felt that this was a good time for his team to face Real Madrid, Manolo Gonzalez explained:
“It doesn’t matter when you face Madrid. They’re teams with special talent. It’s like going to a school and saying you want the five students who get the best grades. They’re players with enormous potential. I’m concerned about how we perform.”
“That’s what will determine the match against these opponents. It’s almost impossible for Madrid not to create a goalscoring chance.”
On what kind of a tactical style he was expecting to see from Mourinho’s Real Madrid, Gonzalez highlighted how the Merengues can hurt his team in multiple ways.
“It will have a bit of everything. There will be moments when, even if they don’t want to, they’ll pin the opponent back, but I also think they’ll have moments when they prepare to run.
“There are teams you can attack better in transition than in positional play. The signing of Carlos Espi has taken this into account. It gives them both situations. In terms of transitions, they’re the best in the world.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
