Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as Real Madrid coach has caused an unprecedented institutional crisis following the team's humiliating elimination from the Copa del Rey against Albacete.
The defeat at the Carlos Belmonte Stadium not only meant an early elimination from the Copa del Rey, but also marked the beginning of a radical internal purge. Arbeloa, confirmed as coach until the end of the current season, has presented the club's senior management with a blacklist of prominent names.
In this tense situation, the coach believes that the cycle for some key players has ended due to performances that border on the unacceptable. Three players have been singled out by the coach: Brazilian Vinicius Junior, Uruguayan captain Federico Valverde and youngster Franco Mastantuono.
The board of directors has received the report with surprise, realizing that the dressing room needs a change after the poor performance in La Mancha.
The fall of key figures at Real Madrid
Real Madrid are going through one of their darkest periods of the decade, having been clearly defeated by a lower league opponent. Vinicius is the main target of criticism due to his worrying form, showing an unknown version of himself that neither creates imbalance nor offers solutions for the team.
The Brazilian winger has not only lost his ability to score goals, but his recent behavior has exhausted the patience of Arbeloa's coaching staff. For the coach, the Brazilian no longer contributes positively to the team's environment and his departure would free up significant salary space for new signings.
Valverde has not escaped criticism either, suffering a slump in form that has even called into question his leadership as Real Madrid captain. The Uruguayan midfielder seems to have lost that inexhaustible energy that characterized him, becoming an inconsistent player who no longer makes a real difference.
Arbeloa believes it is the ideal time to sack Valverde, taking advantage of the fact that he still retains a high market value in the Premier League. The aim is to look for more dynamic players, with technical talent, who can restore order in midfield after weeks of slow and uninspired football.
Doubts about Mastantuono's talent and future at Real Madrid
Mastantuono's case is perhaps the most surprising, given the club's recent strong commitment to the young Argentine talent. However, the Salamanca-born coach has been blunt in his assessment of his current abilities, pointing out serious shortcomings in ball control and decision-making.
Despite his young age and room for improvement, Arbeloa claims that Mastantuono does not possess the minimum level required to wear the white shirt. The demands of the Madrid club do not allow for prolonged delays and the Argentine's performance has been considered insufficient for the demands of the elite level.
Even Vinicius, with his extensive record of success, seems to have weakened after a start to the season where his presence has been irrelevant. Real Madrid now face the dilemma of blindly supporting their coach or protecting the financial assets represented by these three players.
Florentino Perez is coldly analyzing the steps to be taken, aware that the humiliation against Albacete requires drastic decisions to save the season. Real Madrid's sporting plans could undergo a complete overhaul in the upcoming transfer window if these departures materialize. /Telegraph/
