The crisis at Real Madrid has deepened after the identity of Antonio Rudiger's 'slap' victim was revealed. The combative German had to be separated from a teammate during a training ground bust-up two weeks ago. According to reports in Spain, the player on the receiving end was Alvaro Carreras, who has since issued a statement denying any lack of commitment.
Carreras Responds to Allegations
Carreras, 23, released a statement saying: 'In recent days, certain insinuations and comments have emerged about me that do not reflect reality. My commitment to this club and to the coaches I have worked with has been absolute from day one, and it will continue to be so. Since I returned, I have always worked with the utmost professionalism, respect and dedication. I have fought very hard to fulfill my dream of coming back home.' He added that the incident with Rudiger was 'an isolated matter without importance that has already been resolved' and that his relationship with the entire team is very good.
According to The Athletic, Rudiger apologised and made amends by taking out the players and their families for a meal last Friday.
Mbappe Also at Center of Controversy
The flashpoint is the latest off-pitch incident in a disastrous season for Real Madrid. Star man Kylian Mbappe has been criticised after reportedly engaging in a heated argument with a member of manager Alvaro Arbeloa's staff during a training session. Mbappe is said to have spoken angrily and in insulting terms towards the assistant, who was acting as a referee. The incident has worsened the mood between Mbappe and Madrid.
Mbappe was also criticised for taking a holiday on a luxury yacht with his new girlfriend Ester Exposito while his teammates prepared to face Barcelona in El Clasico. More than 250,000 angry Madrid fans have signed a petition calling for Mbappe to leave the club. In his two-season spell since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe and Madrid have failed to win a major trophy.
Mbappe's spokesperson defended him, stating: 'Part of the criticisms are based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club. This is NOT corresponding to the reality of the commitment and the work that Kylian does daily for the good of the team.'
Dressing Room Divisions
According to L'Equipe, Mbappe is perceived to be receiving preferential treatment and has been marked as 'overly individualistic' for fraternising mainly with French teammates and arriving late to team meals. Former French star Emmanuel Petit accused Mbappe of having 'filled Real Madrid's dressing room with selfishness'.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa defended Mbappe, saying: 'All planning regarding injured players is always overseen by Real Madrid's medical staff... In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he sees fit, like any other player.' However, figures inside the Bernabeu are frustrated by his lack of discretion.
Arbeloa is expected to leave after the season, with Jose Mourinho the favourite to take over. If Mourinho returns, he will inherit a dressing room badly in need of repair.
