Explosive! Álvaro Arbeloa breaks silence and denies rift with Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal: “Only 11 play, it’s that simple”
The suspicion of a conflict between Álvaro Arbeloa, interim coach of Real Madrid, and captain Dani Carvajal was categorically denied today by the coach himself. The heated scenario in the Spanish capital took on new dimensions after Carvajal, 31, was overlooked in the starting eleven for the match against Alavés, with Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold preferred. This decision stirred waves and generated rumors of tension in the Madrid dressing room.
Carvajal, who has been struggling to regain his starting position since returning to competition in January, found himself relegated to the bench at a time when Real Madrid is only competing in one tournament. Many expected the captain to be the natural choice for the clash, but Arbeloa was clear and emphatic in his response, asserting that there is no animosity.
“My response that day was short and serious because the question I was asked made no sense; it wasn’t about Dani Carvajal. Those who know me know how I talk about him, just ask the players how I refer to him in the group. They are trying to put me in a difficult position in an unfair situation,” said Arbeloa, also emphasizing: “He is more than ready for the World Cup, I am happy with him and I think he should be a key player for the Spanish national team.”
The coach, who knows Carvajal well from their time playing together, highlighted the relationship of respect and admiration he maintains with the captain: “I have always had a good relationship with him, I have always treated him with affection, respect, and admiration. For someone to think that I make choices for personal reasons… it’s hard for me to believe that any coach in the world makes decisions for anything other than footballing reasons.”
Regarding what Carvajal needs to secure more minutes, Arbeloa did not want to focus solely on him: “It’s simple, only 11 can play. It’s not that he can’t play. There are many others whom I am being unfair to, but I know how they train. That’s all.”
The future of Carvajal at Real Madrid was also not guaranteed by the coach, as the defender’s contract expires at the end of the season: “When I am asked, I always say the same: it’s between them. I will be happy with whatever makes them happy. Everything that is good for Carvajal and for Real Madrid is good for me.”
Carvajal’s struggle to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup with Spain adds extra pressure, especially as he needs to demonstrate full physical fitness to convince coach Luis de la Fuente. On the other side, Trent Alexander-Arnold is also fighting for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
“He [Alexander-Arnold] has shown a high level, he deserves to play, his performance is beyond question. Every game is a matter of life or death for me; when I choose a player, it’s because I believe they deserve it and to win. I don’t give anyone a minute by chance,” explained Arbeloa, making it clear that the competition between the two right-backs is fierce.
Both have struggled with injuries this season, and although Carvajal started the campaign as a starter under Xabi Alonso, his inability to secure more minutes has surprised many fans of the white club.
This internal duel at Real Madrid promises to be one of the hot topics until the end of the season, with one eye on the World Cup and the other on the next season for the Spanish giant.
Stay tuned for more news and exclusive analysis from the world of football!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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