Real Madrid are experiencing their most tense moment in Valdebebas in almost any memory. Arbeloa are already without 10 players for tonight’s game against Elche due to Asensio’s last-minute injury. It’s a scenario that comes at the worst possible time on the calendar. The return leg against Manchester City in the last 16 is just around the corner, with a derby against Atletico also on the horizon.
The accumulation of setbacks caused all sorts of alarm bells to ring for Valdebebas. Concerns arose within the coaching staff just before making a decision that could be crucial to the team’s immediate future. This is the height of panic, and every action must be carefully measured to avoid worsening an already delicate situation.
The exact moment Rodrigo suffered a severe injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
With this in mind, Arbeloa decided to act quickly. During yesterday’s training session, the coach organized an emergency meeting with the leading players in the dressing room, including Choameny, Rudiger, Valverde and Vinicius. The players who are the four fundamental pillars of the team and whose physical demands must be managed down to the millimeter during such a demanding period of the season.
take the risk or not
The purpose of the meeting was clear. It’s about knowing first-hand how each player feels physically before making any decisions about tonight’s game. Arbeloa needed to know how much risk he could take, or, conversely, whether it would be better to look ahead and defend a week that could signal a significant part of the team’s path. Margins are kept to a minimum.
The only players who raised their hands wanted to try again. they are very dedicated people
“Arbeloa said in the preview: “I only have players who raised their hands with the will to try again. They are very dedicated people and we know how important this game is.” That is exactly the message found in the dressing room by a coach who has absolute commitment and perfectly understands the critical moments that the team is experiencing. However, despite this willingness, fear remains inevitable. Concerns that the list of absentees will continue to grow. Fear of another piece falling off an already wobbly board. ”
