Rafael Nogueira
Tensions are rising behind the scenes at Real Madrid, with flashpoints involving senior players worsening the atmosphere since last month’s Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich and continuing to affect preparations for a decisive El Clasico on Sunday.
The first incident came when Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with another first-team player in the dressing rooms at Real Madrid‘s training ground in April. Details were confirmed to The Athletic by several sources, who said the confrontation was instigated by Rudiger. The 33-year-old Germany international later apologised for his actions, and that past Friday, he invited his teammates and their families to lunch.
A separate dispute followed — this time between Kylian Mbappe and a member of Real Madrid‘s coaching staff — before the trip to play Real Betis on April 24. Sources said the Frenchman spoke angrily and in insulting terms towards a staff member acting as an assistant referee on the sidelines of a training exercise, who had called him offside.
Such incidents are not uncommon in elite football, and there is no suggestion either Rudiger or Mbappe faced internal punishment. The incidents have contributed to a deteriorating mood around the club and carry weight for that reason.
Why Is Mbappe a Controversial Figure Right Now?
Mbappe‘s conduct did not go down well with many around Madrid. In conversations with The Athletic, several people at the club and close to it — including staff members and representatives of other players — criticised the player, and also criticised Madrid for not taking a firmer stance.
Beyond the training-ground incident, the 27-year-old Frenchman has been criticised internally over a trip to Italy with his partner. Mbappe is recovering from the hamstring injury suffered in the Betis match on April 24 and was given days off last week. He returned to the Spanish capital on Sunday evening, shortly before kick-off in Madrid‘s away fixture at Espanyol, where Vinicius Jr‘s two goals settled a 2-0 win.
Many supporters felt Mbappe should not have taken a break during a difficult period for the team. It became a prominent topic — in his post-match press conference, Arbeloa was asked about him on three occasions.
“In their free time, each player does what they see fit, and I don’t get involved in that,” the 43-year-old manager said. “All planning regarding injured players is supervised and managed by Madrid‘s medical staff, who are the ones who decide when they need to go to Valdebebas and when they don’t.”
Arbeloa‘s intention was to distance himself from responsibility for the situation. A well-placed source told The Athletic that the coach is not happy with how the case has been managed by the club.
On Tuesday morning, Mbappe‘s representatives replied to The Athletic‘s request for comment with the following statement:
“A portion of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, and does not reflect the reality of Kylian‘s commitment and daily work for the team.”
Attention is now fixed on whether Mbappe, Madrid‘s top scorer with 41 goals from as many games in all competitions this season, will be available for El Clasico against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
“We’ll see how Mbappe is this week,” Arbeloa said in his post-match press conference. “After last week’s tests, it looked as though it might take a bit longer.”
When asked about the striker’s availability on Monday, a training-ground source said: “Only he knows it.” Another club source confirmed he will be assessed again on Wednesday.
How Bad Is the Atmosphere at Madrid?
Bad. The incidents involving Rudiger and Mbappe are the flashpoints, but conversations with sources reflect a worrying mood around the first team. There is little sign of cohesion ahead of Sunday’s match with Barcelona, in which Hansi Flick‘s side need only a draw to be crowned champions.
A combination of internal disputes, instability around Arbeloa‘s position, and several players facing uncertain futures paints a picture of discord. The overall impression is that multiple first-team players are unhappy, and the situation has been building for some time. Managing the dressing room at Real Madrid has always been demanding — Arbeloa is doing so under the widely held expectation that he will not be in charge next season.
What Did Sunday’s Win at Espanyol Show?
Madrid‘s first-half performance against Espanyol was flat. The team looked uninspired for long stretches, yet secured three points in a 2-0 victory courtesy of two quality goals from Vinicius Jr after the break. Vinicius Jr has now scored 16 goals in 2026, a tally surpassed only by Bayern Munich‘s Harry Kane (24) across Europe’s top five leagues. The Brazilian had scored just six goals in 27 appearances under Alonso, a fact highlighted by those in his circle.
There was also a much-discussed moment on the Madrid bench. In the 11th minute, Ferland Mendy was taken off injured and replaced by Fran Garcia. Spanish TV cameras caught Alvaro Carreras laughing in reaction. Carreras was again overlooked — he has been an unused substitute in three of Madrid‘s past four matches — which has generated debate among supporters.
The €50 million (£43.2m; $58.5m) summer signing from Benfica — a club Madrid let him leave for free to Manchester United in 2020 — has seen his playing time reduced since Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso in January, and there has been tension between Carreras and Arbeloa in recent weeks. Sources within Madrid‘s coaching staff have complained about the 23-year-old‘s attitude and professionalism. Those close to the player reject those criticisms.
What Else to Watch This Week
The identity of Madrid‘s next coach remains the dominant background narrative. The Athletic reported last week that president Florentino Perez‘s preferred candidate to replace Arbeloa is Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who managed Madrid from 2010 to 2013. The club’s final decision remains unclear.
There was a further indication of Madrid laying groundwork for a new project: talks held with Toni Kroos over a return to the Bernabeu in a role yet to be fully determined.
Thibaut Courtois is another player under close fitness monitoring. The 33-year-old Belgian goalkeeper has been absent since suffering a thigh injury in the Champions League last-16 second-leg victory over Manchester City on March 16. Madrid are hopeful he will return for Sunday’s La Liga fixture at Barca.
As for Mendy, Madrid sources say the muscular injury the 30-year-old full-back sustained on Sunday may require surgery, with further tests still to come. He has endured several serious fitness problems in recent years.
With the title potentially decided at the Camp Nou this weekend, every development at Valdebebas carries consequences. Follow TipsGG for the latest El Clasico coverage, match analysis, and betting tips.