Real Madrid’s victory in Vigo sparked intense debate. After the match, Álvaro Albero surprised with the words “I’m very happy that the people who wanted to come came,” which has already generated interpretations both inside and outside the dressing room. Comments that were interpreted as direct messages to some players on the team.
The manager did not name names, but hinted that he was dissatisfied with the involvement of some members of the group at a sensitive time for the team. Real Madrid went into the match against Celta with a large number of players absent, seven due to injury and three due to suspension, but they still managed to get through the game relying on several young players, including Thiago Pitalucci, Palacios and Manuel Ángel.
Who is the accused?
One name that comes up in the discussion is Eduardo Camavinga. The French midfielder has missed the last two games due to dental problems caused by cavities. However, the player trained the night before the game against Celta and was ultimately left out of the squad. This situation has caused some consternation, as it is surprising that neither the players nor the medical services were able to resolve the dental issue within a week.
It is also possible that this message was directed at the players who were punished in the previous league match. The first was Mastantuono, whose manager was particularly angry at the red card he received in stoppage time against Getafe. The group also includes Huisen and Carreras, who received a fifth yellow card for an “inevitable” act.
Arbeloa, who handles messages well in press conferences, hinted, without mentioning names, that he is not happy with the attitude or involvement of some players who will not be available for Vigo. However, despite the absence, the team responded with personality and several youth players who capitalized on Arbeloa’s opportunities. Thiago Pitarch is a starter again and continues to improve.
He spoke highly of Carvajal and Asensio.
Just as Arbeloa had raised doubts about some of his players, he wanted to focus on those who had traveled to Vigo with physical problems. Asensio was one of them. The youth player continues to give his best despite having a tibia problem and a cervical spine injury, despite not having the option of stepping forward. Another player who has stepped up is Carvajal. Carvajal had stomach problems and is currently filling in for Trent, even though it was known from the start that he would not be able to play in the match.
Wednesday’s decision
Looking ahead to the next game, the manager will need to manage the situation in highly demanding scenarios, such as Wednesday’s match against Manchester City. Everything points to the fact that the same thing could be repeated with Ferland Mendy replacing Carreras at left-back. The Frenchman showed some solid defending against Celta and that could be the key to a draw against Josep Guardiola’s side.
We also don’t know what will happen to Camavinga and whether he will be out for a long time even if he joins the team. Thiago Pitarci continues to establish himself in midfield and his presence in the starting eleven could solve the mystery of whether Arbeloa’s message in the press conference was directed at the Frenchman. The youth player has responded with good performances in the last two games and has been one of the most outstanding developments for a youth player this season so far.
