Tensions running high in Real Madrid training on Monday
By Ben Sundock
After suffering their fourth loss in five matches, tensions are running high in the Spanish capital. During Monday morning’s training session at the Valadebebas, Real Madrid players showed some of the anger that has come with this recent run of form.
When team performances start to dip, the emotions of the players start to shine through. For the most part, Real Madrid players have been calm yet disappointed with the lack of goals and points they have been earning over the last month.
But, captain Sergio Ramos was not holding back earlier today in training. The center back has been receiving a significant portion of the blame for the struggles at the back for Los Blancos and that pressure seems to be bothering him.
While doing a drill with the ball in the player’s arms, Ramos took a shot from young fullback Sergio Reguilon. The Spaniard dove across the face of the goal in order to block Ramos from scoring a point for his team.
While diving, Reguilon sideswiped Ramos’ face, bringing the captain to blows. Ramos angrily looked down at the defender and proceeded to kick the ball at Reguilon not once, but twice.
It was a clear lapse in judgment from the center back who is known to have a fiery temper. But, to see him go after one of his own teammates, and a recently promoted Castilla player as well, is a bad look for the number four.
Manager Julen Lopetegui made the decision to not bring Sergio Ramos to the Champions League pre-match press conference after the session, leading many to question the boss’ decision making once again.
“The changing room is strong because the players are champions,” Lopetegui said in the presser. He, nor Isco who was with him to address the press, made a comment of what transpired.
Despite his apology and his acknowledgment of the situation, this is not the way a captain should be acting. This was an isolated incident and it shouldn’t affect the team’s chemistry moving forward, however, this happening the day before a big Champions League match is disappointing.
Let’s hope that Julen Lopetegui still has the squad working together and they are well prepared for the tilt with Plzen. It is, after all, a must-win after the loss to CSKA Moscow a few weeks ago.