AfriPulse
Fresh tension is brewing inside the Real Madrid dressing room, with at least six first-team players said to be unhappy with manager Xabi Alonso and preferring to see him removed from the role.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Vinicius Junior is the most prominent name among those opposed to the former Bayer Leverkusen coach. The Brazilian was reportedly furious after being substituted during last month’s El Clásico, and the fallout has not settled since.
According to the report, the squad has quietly split into two groups. Players such as Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, Endrick and Ferland Mendy are also believed to be dissatisfied with Xabi Alonso’s leadership and want a change.
However, several others are backing the Spaniard. Summer arrivals Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, alongside Arda Guler, Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe, are said to be firmly behind the coach.
Despite the off-field drama, Madrid remain top of LaLiga, holding a one-point edge over Barcelona after a 2-2 draw with Elche on Sunday.
As the noise around the dressing room continues, Alonso has taken his focus back to the pitch as he released the squad list for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with Olympiacos.
The manager has named Kylian Mbappe and Endrick in the travelling party for the game at the Karaiskakis Stadium. First-choice goalkeeper, Courtois, remains sidelined with an injury.
Real Madrid squad to face Olympiacos
Goalkeepers: Lunin, Fran González, Javi Navarro
Defenders: Trent, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Mendy
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos
Forwards: Vini Jr, Endrick, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim
Kick-off is scheduled for 9 pm Nigerian time.
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