Real Madrid’s victory in Vigo left a heated debate. After the match, Alvaro Arbeloasurprised with a phrase that is already generating interpretations inside and outside the dressing room: “I’m very happy for the people who wanted to come”. A comment that was interpreted as a direct message to some players in the squad.
The coach did not give names, but he did hint at some displeasure with the involvement of part of the group at a delicate time for the team. Real Madrid went into the match against Celta with numerous absentees – seven through injury and three through suspension – and still managed to get through the game relying on several young players: Thiago Pitarch, Palacios, Manuel Angel…
Who are the accused?
One of the names that appears in the debate is that of Eduardo Camavinga. The French midfielder has missed the last two games due to a dental problem caused by tooth decay. However, the player did train on the eve of the match against Celta and was finally left out of the squad. The situation has generated some surprise, as it is striking that neither the player nor the medical services have been able to solve a dental problem within a week.
The message could also be aimed at the players who were sanctioned in the last league match. The first of these is Mastantuono, with whom the coach was particularly annoyed by the expulsion he saw in stoppage time against Getafe. This group also includes Huijsen and Carreras, who received their fifth yellow card for actions that were described as “avoidable”.
Without mentioning names, Arbeloa, who handles messages well in press conferences, hinted that he was not satisfied with the attitude or involvement of some players who were not available in Vigo. But despite the absences, the team responded with character and with several youth players who took advantage of Arbeloa’s opportunity. Thiago Pitarch, who was once again a starter, continues to grow.
He valued Carvajal and Asensio
Just as Arbeloa sowed doubt with some players, he wanted to highlight those who traveled to Vigo with physical problems. Asencio was one of them. The youth player continues to force his way through his tibia problem and cervical injury, with no option of being able to infiltrate. Another player who stepped up was Carvajal, who traveled with stomach problems despite knowing that he was not going to participate in the match from the start and who is now Trent’s substitute
Decisions for Wednesday
Looking ahead to the next match, the coach will have to manage this context in a highly demanding scenario, such as Wednesday’s clash against Manchester City. Everything points to the fact that he could repeat with Ferland Mendy at left-back instead of Carreras. The Frenchman had a solid defensive game against Celta, something that could be key in the tie against Pep Guardiola’s side.
It also remains to be seen what happens with Camavinga and whether his absence is prolonged even if he is included in the squad. Thiago Pitarch continues to gain ground in midfield and his presence in the starting eleven could clear up the mystery as to whether Arbeloa’s message in the press conference was aimed at the Frenchman. The youth player is responding with good performances in the last two games and has become, so far, one of the most outstanding breakthroughs of the season from the youth ranks.
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