For the sheer number of heavyweights in the Real Madrid dressing room, it is seemingly impossible to keep every player happy and satisfied with their prominence.
While Carlo Ancelotti was an expert at said man-management, it is clear that Xabi Alonso, and now Alvaro Arbeloa, are not. In fact, that is the reason for the increased rifts in the dressing room and the disconnect between the manager and players.
Dani Carvajal is one who has shown clear signs of unhappiness under Arbeloa, and MARCA now bring to light that David Alaba is on the same boat.
The Austrian is frustrated
Indeed, the Spanish outlet confirms that Alaba is vexed at his current situation under Arbeloa and does not understand why he is being ignored in the manager’s plans.
He is unable to comprehend why the coach does not count on him despite the ongoing defensive struggles, especially when he is fit and available to bring his leadership and experience to the field.
David Alaba wants answers. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While Alaba’s case is largely similar to that of Carvajal, it is not as prominent and highlighted as the captain’s for obvious reasons. After all, Alaba is neither a captain nor guaranteed a future at the club beyond this season like Carvajal is.
The player returned from his last injury in mid-December and has been available for every game under the new coach.
Yet, he has featured only in four of the team’s seven games under Arbeloa and has a cumulative of fifty minutes in that duration.
Given how the team have been struggling in defence for both quality and options, that number speaks volumes.
Given his situation, however, it is unlikely that Alaba’s minutes will see any steep improvement in the coming months, given how the manager will count on Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen ahead of him.
Further, even Aurelien Tchouameni stands out as an option.