Real Madrid are going through a moment of maximum tension that is rarely remembered at Valdebebas. With the last-minute injury to Asencio, Arbeloa already has ten players out for tonight’s match against Elche. A scenario that comes at the worst possible time in the calendar: with the return leg of the last 16 against Manchester City on the immediate horizon and the derby against Atletico.
The accumulation of setbacks has set off all the alarm bells at Valdebebas. Concern has set in within the coaching staff just before making decisions that could prove crucial to the immediate future of the team. A real summit of panic, in which every move must be carefully measured so as not to aggravate an already delicate situation.
With this in mind, Arbeloa decided to act quickly. During yesterday’s training session, the coach organised an emergency meeting with several of the heavyweights available in the dressing room: Tchouameni, Rudiger, Valverde and Vinicius. Four fundamental pillars within the team and, at the same time, players whose physical load must be managed to the millimetre at such a demanding time of the season.
Taking risks… or not
The objective of the meeting was clear: to find out first-hand the physical feelings of each player before making any decision regarding tonight’s game. Arbeloa needed to know the extent to which they could take risks or whether, on the contrary, it would be better to protect them with a view to a week that could mark a good part of the team’s course. The margin has been reduced to a minimum.
I only have players who have raised their hands willing to make an effort again. They are very committed people
“Arbeloa said in the preview, ‘I only have players who have raised their hands willing to make an effort again. They are very committed people and we know how important the game is.’ That is precisely the message that the coach has found within a dressing room that has absolute commitment and that understands perfectly the critical moment that the team is going through. But despite this willingness, fear remains inevitable. Fear that the list of absentees will continue to grow. Fear that another piece will fall from a board that is already wobbling every now and then.”
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