Real Madrid experienced a turbulent week leading up to El Clásico, with tensions reaching a peak on Thursday when Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde engaged in a physical altercation during training. The argument began heatedly on Wednesday, escalating significantly 24 hours later, and both players are now under internal investigation.
The Tchouaméni-Valverde incident, which Valverde has attempted to downplay, is the latest in a series of minor events that have reportedly created a highly toxic and divided atmosphere within the Real Madrid dressing room. According to El Mundo, the catalyst for these issues was the club’s decision to dismiss former head coach Xabi Alonso after their Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in January, a decision not supported by many players.
A segment of the Real Madrid squad favored Alonso, while an equally significant portion favored his departure. This division sparked internal disputes that have now culminated in recent incidents involving Tchouaméni and Valverde, as well as Antonio Rüdiger, who reportedly slapped teammate Álvaro Carreras in a separate altercation.
Insiders Criticize Real Madrid Players: “They are like children”
The confrontation between Valverde and Tchouaméni prompted intervention from general manager José Ángel Sánchez. Club sources indicate that upper management, including president Florentino Pérez, are deeply disappointed with the squad, referring to them as a “very immature group, they are like children.”
The Real Madrid hierarchy is also reportedly dissatisfied with Álvaro Arbeloa’s limited involvement in managing the situation. There’s a sentiment that he should have exerted better control over his players, and he’s been accused of minimal engagement in the altercations between Tchouaméni and Valverde on Wednesday and Thursday.
